Falcons are uncertain how free agency will unfold in 2010

The Falcons are all ready to go shopping.

But the store is closed.

The NFL's contentious labor situation seems destined to lead to an uncapped salary structure in 2010, which would hinder free-agency movement this offseason.

If a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached by March 1 (the start of the league's calendar year), 212 players around the league would remain restricted free agents.

"We are going into an unprecedented time in the NFL," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We all hope that the issues get resolved in a timely manner, but if they do not, it will make for an interesting offseason."

Unrestricted free agents may sign with any of the 32 teams. Restricted free agents can negotiate with other teams, but their original club retains the right to match any offer or receive draft picks in compensation.

The Falcons have 15 free agents who fit into three groups:

• Six players with six or more years of service who will become unrestricted free agents no matter what happens in labor negotiations.

• Seven players who would become unrestricted free agents if a deal is reached, but would revert to restricted free agents if no deal is completed.

• Two players who will become restricted free agents for the first time.

The unrestricted players include wide receiver Marty Booker, wide receiver Brian Finneran, linebacker Tony Gilbert, running back Verron Haynes, quarterback Chris Redman and cornerback Brian Williams.

Redman and Williams are the key players in this group. Redman was solid as Matt Ryan's replacement last season when the starter when down with a turf toe injury. Redman made two starts and led the team to victory against Tampa Bay on Nov. 29.

Williams was signed as a free agent on Sept. 6 after a salary dispute led to his release in Jacksonville. He started the season opener a week later at left cornerback but injured his knee in the fifth game against Chicago and was placed on injured reserve Oct. 20.

The seven players in limbo between unrestricted and restricted status include right tackle Tyson Clabo, right guard Harvey Dahl, safety Jamaal Fudge, punter Michael Koenen, running back Jerious Norwood, guard/tackle Quinn Ojinnaka and safety Charlie Peprah.

Clabo, who made his way into the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent, has been playing on a string of one-year tenders and has never received any signing bonus or guaranteed money. He played last season for $1.545 million. By comparison, the league's top-paid lineman, San Francisco tackle Joe Staley, made $13.57 million.

This was to be Clabo's offseason for a big raise as an unrestricted free agent. He said he wants to return to the Falcons, but may be forced to play for a modest increase on another one-year tender if the Falcons don't offer a contract extension.

"I want to be an Atlanta Falcon for the rest of my career," Clabo said. "It's difficult to say with confidence that will happen [with me] continually playing under one-year tenders. It's just difficult to see into the future."

Dahl, a starter the past two seasons, also had a base salary of $1.545 million last season.

Norwood has backed up at running back for four years, but is coming off an injury-plagued season. He had a base salary of $535,000 last season.

Koenen was designated as the team's franchise player last year and is in line for another raise.

The two restricted players are running back Jason Snelling and safety Antoine Harris.

Snelling likely will get a higher tender offer after filling in at running back and fullback last season. He helped himself with a 147-yard rushing effort against Tampa Bay in the season finale.