The Philadelphia Eagles have a handful of tasks on their agenda for the 2010 offseason. However, no task may be more important than trying to negotiate a deal to keep free agent wide receiver Jason Avant around for not only next season, but for the long run.

Throughout the first three years of his career with the Eagles, Avant was the type of player whose impact seemed under the radar. He was one of the most reliable 3rd-down players in the NFL, yet never seemed to be recognized for the credit deserved.

After 2009, Avant showed how important of a role he can play in the Eagles’ offense and making his case to receive a long-term deal this offseason. He set career marks in just about every category, including receptions (41), receiving yards (587), and touchdowns (3).

In Week 10 against the San Diego Chargers, Avant finished with a career high eight receptions for 156 yards. Two weeks later, he was the savior for an offense that failed to record a first down in the second half until the 11-minute mark of the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins after hauling in two consecutive passes of 46 and 20 yards from Donovan McNabb that was the start of another fourth-quarter comeback.

Without Avant, it’s safe to say Philadelphia would never have made the playoffs this past season. Throughout his four-year career, he has been one of the best 3rd-down players and is arguably the best slot receiver in the NFL.

If anything, the Eagles should consider Avant simply just for his ability to convert third down conversions. In four years, 32 of his 37 catches on 3rd down resulted in to a 1st down, which is phenomenal.

As the Eagles being their preparations for the 2010 season, there is plenty of hype surrounding the members of their young offense. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Brent Celek are all future stars for a Philadelphia offense that is expected to be loaded with talent for years to come.

If Jeffrey Lurie and company can find a way to secure Avant for the long run, the Eagles’ offense could be even more dangerous than they already are—which is exciting for the City of Brotherly Love to think about.