There's no June 1 designation anymore

[Schneed10]

I'd agree on the ramifications.

All the more reason to get a guy like DeAngelo Hall signed pronto. Starting in 2010, assuming no new CBA is struck, players will be forced to stay with the team that drafts them for 6 years before they can hit free agency. This means free agents will be, for the most part, 29 years old when they hit the open market.

Long story short, if you can lock up a young quality player now, you do it. No questions asked as to cost, you make it happen. For the long term viability of your franchise, you're better off cutting old guys to clear space than you are letting a young starter walk as a result of withholding a few million.

When 2010 rolls around, it will be very tough to fill gaps on your team via free agency. If you want to address needs via free agency, speak now or forever hold your peace.