Sportsnet has you covered for NFL free agency with extensive breakdowns of every team heading into the 2014 league year. For every division, click here.
New England Patriots (12-4, 1st in AFC East)
Team needs: WR, CB, TE
Projected salary cap space: $12.6 million
Key free agents: RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Julian Edelman, CB Aqib Talib, ILB Brandon Spikes, C Ryan Wendell
Candidates for release: DT Vince Wilfork (cap savings of $8 million), DT Isaac Sopoaga (cap savings of $2.5 million), S Adrian Wilson (cap savings of $1.1 million)
Free agent fit: Scott Chandler, tight end
The skinny: While it looks like the Patriots could be losing a number of promient players in free agency, don’t be surprised if many stay put. It’s the Patriot way. Re-signing Julian Edelman – who had 51 more receptions than any other Patriot in 2013 – should be New England’s top priority. They can’t afford to lose another receiver.. Due to a sketchy cap situation, signing Chandler reeks of Bill Belichick. They need another receiving tight end with Rob Gronkowski’s status uncertain.
New York Jets (8-8, 2nd in AFC East)
Team needs: WR, S, CB
Projected salary cap space: $39.8 million
Key free agents: G Willie Colon, LB Calvin Pace, S Ed Reed, OT Austin Howard
Candidates for release: QB Mark Sanchez (cap savings of $8.3 million), WR Santonio Holmes and CB Antonio Cromartie were released
Free agent fit: Golden Tate, wide receiver
The skinny: The Jets have the opportunity to part with — or at the very least restructure — a pile of terrible contracts in Holmes, Cromartie and Sanchez, which will in turn give the team a chance to add some key free agents. Not only does New York have a chance to sign at least one of Golden Tate, Michael Vick or Jairus Byrd, they could ink all three. Tate has a history with Jets GM John Idzik from their time in Seattle and the team has a massive need at wide receiver. As well, there should also be some investment in the offensive line to better fit Rex Ryan’s power offence.
Miami Dolphins (8-8, 3rd in AFC East)
Team Needs: OL, DT, RB
Projected salary cap: $34.3 million
Key free agents: DT Randy Starks, DT Paul Soliai, S Chris Clemons, G Richie Incognito, G John Jerry, OT Bryant McKinnie, OT Tyson Clabo
Candidates for release: QB Matt Moore (cap savings of $4 million)
Free agent fit: Branden Albert, offensive tackle
The skinny: First and foremost, the Dolphins will be looking to radically change the locker room culture following the release of the Wells report. That begins with the offensive line, which couykd have four new starters as Clabo, McKinnie, Incognito and Jerry — both named by Ted Wells — appear to be on the outs. Miami’s main focus will be at left tackle and luring former Albert, the former Chief, would be a huge get for the Dolphins. Eugene Monroe could be another big target. Running back and wide receiver should also be a point of emphasis, for the right price.
Buffalo Bills (6-10, 4th in AFC East)
Team needs: OL, S, LB
Projected salary cap: $23.1 million
Key free agents: S Jairus Byrd, TE Scott Chandler, K Dan Carpenter
Candidates for release: QB Kevin Kolb (cap savings of $3.1 million)
Free agent fit: T.J. Ward, safety
The skinny: The Bills have plenty of cap flexibility and, with the potential shown last season, they may spend big with hopes of contending in the East. Buffalo’s No. 1 priority will be to bring back Jairus Byrd, the best safety about to hit the free agent market. If not expect the Bills to make a serious run at a replacement such as Ward. The other focus of the Bills off-season should be to add depth to the offensive line. Buffalo will have the opportunity to draft a top-end lineman at ninth overall (depending on who’s available), but could also sign a talented free agent like Zach Strief.
