2012 NFL Free Agency: Analyzing the Cap Space for Every AFC East Team

It's the question every fan is asking of their team right now: How aggressive are we going to be in free agency?

With a little help from our friends, we can find out nice and quick.

Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel has projections for how much cap space each team will have in 2012. We also just learned from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the remaining cap space from 2011 can be carried over to 2012.

In something of an investigative report, we'll combine the two sources to come up with a big picture analysis.

*AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please be advised that these numbers are not 100 percent accurate, and the comments herein represent only a reflection of the information that could be gleaned from the two separate reports from separate, unrelated outlets.

New York Jets

They'll have to make some room if they want to make any big-time free agent acquisitions, but don't count it out. They've done it in the past, and as recently as last year, when they restructured several deals in an attempt to go after free-agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

That series of deals, though, is what left them in such straits this year. They were able to hold over $7.9 million, according to Florio, which helps them considerably since they are actually projected to be over the cap, according to Kelly.

They might have made a move at wide receiver to shed some of their payroll by releasing Santonio Holmes, but the Jets opted not to do so and will ride out another year with Holmes at over $7 million.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are projected to have plenty of cap space to be big-time contenders in free agency. They will have to deal with Wes Welker's impending contract, but get a huge boost from the $8.4 million they are holding over from 2011.

They haven't exactly earned a reputation as big splashers in free agency, but it was a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Colts that was the impetus for their last foray, which included a big-time flop in linebacker Adalius Thomas. It's no wonder they haven't been as active since. 

That being said, they were plenty effective last year, with two key signings in offensive guard Brian Waters and defensive end Andre Carter among several others. 

They have several of their own free agents to tend to, including Welker, Carter, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and defensive end Mark Anderson.

Miami Dolphins

If the Dolphins want to be a contender for Peyton Manning's hypothetical services, they'll have to clear out a little cap space. They got a bit of help from $9.1 million in leftover space in 2011, but will likely need to find about $8 to $10 million more in cap space to pull the trigger on the triggerman.

The Dolphins haven't been incredibly aggressive in the free agent market under Jeff Ireland, preferring to acquire most of their talent through trades (Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall, to name a couple) and the draft. They have made some moves recently, though, in the form of linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett.

That being said, they have some of their own players to tend to as well. With names like defensive end Kendall Langford and nose tackle Paul Soliai, it may not be as easy as 1-2-3 for the Dolphins to land Peyton.

Buffalo Bills

By saving over $20 million in cap space in 2011, the Bills have set themselves up beautifully to be big spenders in free agency. Which is great because in order to get most of the key players, they'll have to be willing to give up a little more money.

The amount of cap space would seem to be indication that a deal will get done with their key free-agent wide receiver, Stevie Johnson. Even if he ends up getting a little more money than they really want to give him, he has meant enough to the marginal success the team has enjoyed to warrant a nice payday.

They could also use help on the defensive side of the ball. As the defense transitions back to a 4-3 front, Mario Williams is a name that should pop up on Buffalo's radar.

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