With the National Football League postseason complete, it's time to begin the offseason.

General managers, owners and coaches around the NFL have a lot of work to do this offseason to secure their rosters. Using the franchise tag can be a powerful tool because it guarantees the player will play at least one more season for their squad or that team will get back extreme value in return.

Here are 10 players who could be franchise tagged this offseason:

1. Dez Bryant

The Dallas Cowboys wanted to get a long-term deal done with Dez Bryant, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Bryant wants Calvin Johnson type money, and that will deplete the Cowboys salary cap space. The Cowboys still have to decide on DeMarco Murray's future as well.

2. Devin McCourty

The New England Patriots' biggest priority will be Darrelle Revis, but at least they can exercise their team option with him and secure "Revis Island" for another season. Devin McCourty is a good coverage safety with an expiring contract. Without McCourty, the Patriots' secondary would be in a lot of trouble.

3. Demaryius Thomas

This one is a no-brainer.

The Denver Broncos have a very small window with Peyton Manning set to retire soon. They need to lock up their star wide out for at least one more season, and hopefully for their sake, they can make another Super Bowl run. They'll need him with tight end Julius Thomas scheduled to walk as a free agent.

4. Justin Houston

This is a tough one. The Kansas City Chiefs would love to lock up the best sack master in the NFL, but they have to be careful because they have other needs, especially on offense. If the Chiefs and Houston are unable to come to terms, the franchise tag may be the best option.

5. Jason Pierre-Paul

Almost every report indicates that the New York Giants will franchise tag Jason Pierre-Paul. There's a good chance the Giants will use the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pierre-Paul this offseason. That means that other teams can negotiate and trade for him, but they must give up two first round picks in exchange for Pierre-Paul. In many ways a win-win situation for Big Blue.

6. Jason Worilds

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense certainly isn't what it once was, which is why they may want to tag their star linebacker. After ranking 18th in yards and points against last season, Jason Worilds was about the only bright spot on that side of the ball for the Steelers. James Harrison is also a free agent.

7. Ndamukong Suh

This is a tough one. Ndamukong Suh is a dynamic defensive tackle who is almost unstoppable at the line of scrimmage. Suh has shown he wants to play in a bigger market like New York, but the Lions also have Nick Fairley who is set to leave as a free agent. The Lions may want to franchise tag Suh, thus keeping him around for at least one more year.

8. DeMarco Murray

If the Cowboys and Bryant do come to terms, that would be terrific. If so, then that would allow Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to use the franchise tag on Demarco Murray, last year's leading rusher. Running backs don't last very long in this league, so signing long-term could be a mistake.

9. Stephen Gostkowski

Kickers can be a good position to franchise tag because they cost so much less. If the Patriots decide to tag McCourty, it will cost them somewhere in the $8 to $10 million range. Kickers usually cost less than $5 million to tag. Gostkowski is also one of the best kickers in the league.

10. Jerry Hughes

Jerry Hughes is one of the most underrated defensive players in the league having reached the 10-sack plateau the last two seasons. The Buffalo Bills want him back, but they desperately need a quarterback. Hughes is worthy of a new contract, and he'll get it eventually. But first, the Bills have offensive gaps to fill.

The NFL free agent and trading period begins on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. EST. Monday, March 2 at 4 p.m. EST is the last day for teams to use the franchise tag.

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