Here’s the next part in our series covering the potential free agent class for 2010. Don’t hesitate to jump in with both feet by leaving your thoughts in the comments thread. Thanks for visiting and enjoy!

Top Free Agent Wide Receivers

1. Brandon Marshall – Denver (UFA)

I find it highly unlikely that the Broncos would let their best receiver walk away from the team without any sort of compensation, especially one that’s entering his prime like Marshall, but stranger things have happened in recent years. Marshall’s run ins with the law and his very public feud with the team after the Jay Cutler trade could also play a major role in Denver’s decision on whether to keep him around or not. Oh and don’t forget the kind of cash he’ll be looking for either… let’s just say it won’t be chump change.

Likely destinations: Denver, Kansas City, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, New York Jets, Baltimore

2. Vincent Jackson – San Diego (UFA)

Like Marshall before him, the odds of Jackson hitting the open market next spring are slim to none at this point, given his tremendous production thus far this season, and his increasing rapport with QB Philip Rivers. That said, the Chargers are going to have to make quite a few decisions financially during the off-season, and depending on where they choose to spend their money, Jackson could price himself out of the equation, which would definitely lead to a bidding war of sorts when free agency kicks off.

Likely destinations: San Diego, Kansas City, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, New England, Baltimore

3. Miles Austin – Dallas (UFA)

With Austin torching numerous defenses around the league this season, his departure from Big D is growing less and less likely with each passing day. But if the Cowboys are unable to achieve post-season success this year, you can bet that wholesale changes will be on the way, and that includes the players. If Austin does hit the open market, I’d expect his services to be in high demand, with his youth and talent being exactly in line with what teams are looking for in a premier receiver.

Likely destinations: Dallas, Kansas City, Miami, Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, New York Jets

4. Steve Breaston – Arizona (RFA)

Luckily for the Cardinals, they have the right cards (no pun intended) to keep Breaston in place for at least another season, and if they choose not to do so, they’ll almost assuredly get several quality draft picks back as compensation. That may scare off a few teams that place a high premium on their draft selections, but for the league’s bona fide contenders that are in need of one solid upgrade, there’s no doubt that Breaston would be a highly enticing option to look at next spring.

Likely destinations: Arizona, Dallas, Miami, New England, Cleveland, Washington, New York Jets, Baltimore

5. Braylon Edwards – New York Jets (UFA)

When teams give up players and picks to obtain another player they like, they typically do so with the feeling that they’ll do their best to keep that player around long term. Edwards is no exception here for the Jets, as they’ll almost certainly try to sign him to an extension prior to the free agency period, albeit a deal that is heavily loaded with incentives and other performance based clauses. On the open market, Edwards may find his value diminished somewhat, especially in light of his poor behavior prior to his departure from Cleveland, but he should still command a high dollar contract when multiple teams compete to get him into the fold.

Likely destinations: New York Jets, Miami, Dallas, Oakland, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Carolina

Other Notable UFA Wide Receivers

• Antonio Bryant – Tampa Bay
• Kevin Walter – Houston
• Malcom Floyd – San Diego
• Lance Moore – New Orleans
• Chris Chambers – Kansas City
• Josh Reed – Buffalo
• Bobby Wade – Kansas City
• Mark Bradley – Tampa Bay
• Dominik Hixon – New York Giants
• Brad Smith – New York Jets
• Mark Clayton – Baltimore
• Jason Avant – Philadelphia
• Demetrius Williams – Baltimore
• Jerheme Urban – Arizona

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