Non-compete

I have been with my employer for nearly 10 years. I am involved with a competitive industry but my position is one in which I have no direct client contact. I am mid-level management in operations for my firm. Recently, our new president asked for all members of the management team and sales force to sign a non-compete agreement on the pretext that it was to "update" records and to have a consitent document among all members of this team (previously, only the sales force and directors at our firm signed these agreements upon employment). No consideration (compensation, enhanced benefits, etc.) were offered in exchange for the signature. I feel that something else may be at work behind the scenes on this. Specifically, a non-compete that comes right before a "downsizing." How enforceable are these agreements if the employer attempts to restrict the ability for an employee to earn a living in an industry in which they have spent 10 years and the employer terminates an employee who otherwise would not leave the company?