The NFL offseason may be the most compelling in all of sports. Teams will welcome new players through free agency and the draft, but which moves will make the most sense? Ross Jones comes up with 10 bold offseason predictions.

DeSean Jackson suffered a disappointing season in 2011.The Eagles never lived up to stratospheric expectations and Jackson shut it down early. He will hit the free-agent market — unless Philly crafts an extension or slaps the franchise tag on him — and could use a change in scenery. The University of Cal product could go back to his roots and have his career reinvigorated with Jim Harbaugh calling the shots. The Niners would also be filling a need as they are moth-eaten at the wide receiver position and suffered return woes in the NFC Championship Game.

This one is a no-brainer. The hiring of head coach Joe Philbin screams that Miami will turn into a pass-first offense. Philbin, who was the Packers offensive coordinator the last five seasons, would likely be in the market to attain Matt Flynn. The latter was Green Bay’s backup quarterback and hits the free-agent market. Flynn will experience a Kolb-esque type of offseason, being the No. 1 free-agent commodity at his position.

Nobody knows what Manning’s status will be next season, but it’s likely the Colts are transitioning into a new era of Indy football. Colts owner Jim Irsay severed ties with front office execs and gutted the coaching staff. The next move could be not picking up Manning’s $28-million bonus in March. Several teams will be in the market for an elite QB this offseason, and although the Jets don’t have a glaring need, Manning would be a massive upgrade over their current franchise QB Mark Sanchez.

It’s likely the Cowboys will be very active in free agency and it would be a huge success if they could catch the big fish from New Orleans in Carl Nicks. The Cowboys offensive line was stable for most of the season, but could be improved upon, especially at the guard position. Nicks, who was a fifth-round pick from Nebraska in 2008, has been to multiple Pro Bowls and would lend a big helping hand to the Cowboys’ line.

The Steelers' All-Pro nose tackle Casey Hampton suffered another ACL tear to his left knee this season and Pittsburgh must have a plan of action if Hampton can’t return to full form. Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai, who was voted into this year’s Pro Bowl, will be an unrestricted free agent and could offer the Steelers an opportunity to bridge the gap while Hampton recovers, or if they choose to draft a young defensive tackle who specializes in the zero-technique.

Although McFadden was hampered by a toe injury for most of the 2011 season, he ran with a great force for the first six games, averaging more than five yards a carry. Dealing McFadden, who was the Raiders first-round pick in 2008, would give the new era in Oakland some ammunition in the form of draft picks. Former head coach Hue Jackson engineered a trade that sent two top-round picks to Cincinnati for Carson Palmer in what he said was the “greatest trade in football.”

Ahh, yes. Cowboys fans can’t forget Eli Manning throwing all over their defense in Week 17’s playoff-berth deciding game. Terence Newman has steadily declined the past few seasons and the Cowboys can save $4 million in cap space by cutting him. Jerry Jones needs to restock his secondary unit — after swinging and missing on Nnamdi Asomugha last offseason — and sign a physicial, shutdown cornerback in Finnegan. Jones shouldn’t be afraid to throw Finnegan a bag of money to shore up secondary concerns.

Jim Harbaugh had faith in Alex Smith during the lockout-laden offseason and it paid off. Smith, who had a career-year in 2011, almost led the Niners to a Super Bowl berth. Smith will finally experience some continuity in coaching staffs this offseason and could piggyback on his stellar season. San Francisco has its guy, now it’s their chance to show him that.

Would Chargers general manager A.J. Smith save face in the San Diego community and bring back the fan favorite? Ryan Mathews had a Pro Bowl season, but the Chargers still struggled on third-down situations, lacking a receiving threat out of the backfield. The Chargers could hand Tomlinson a one-year deal and he could finish his decorated career mentoring a budding superstar in Mathews. San Diego let Darren Sproles walk last season. That was a mistake. This move won’t be.

Wade Phillips’ defensive unit made great strides in 2011 without its best player: Mario Williams. Williams, who missed most of the 2011 season after tearing his pectoral muscle, would offer outside linebackers Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin some relief, rotating into the pass-rushing mix. Houston must also man up and take care of do-it-all running back Arian Foster. The undrafted player-turned-superstar had another monster year and is deserving of a long-term deal.