ESPN NFL

Scouts, Inc. has evaluated the rosters and salary-cap situations of all 32 NFL teams. With free agency approaching and draft right around the corner, here's how each AFC East team stacks up as it heads into the offseason.

2004 record: 14-2 (first place)
The Patriots have a clearly defined philosophy for approaching the salary cap and free agency: don't overspend, concentrate on mid-level players and sign a lot of short-term deals. Just as it has been the last few years, New England will concentrate mostly on re-signing its own players.

Though not a free agent, CB Ty Law isn't sure to return next season. He will be 31 in February, is coming off an injury-plagued season and is due almost $10 million in salary and incentives in 2005. The Patriots have had a chance to see their young cornerbacks in action, and are prepared to get younger and cheaper at the position. Both Law and No. 2 CB Tyrone Poole could be salary-cap casualties.

New England faces some tough decisions regarding WR/DB Troy Brown and LBs Willie McGinest, Ted Johnson and Roman Phifer, whose combined salary and bonus money for 2005 totals $15.7 million. But each is realistic about being in the late stage of his career, and each appreciates his role on special teams. Restructuring across the board is likely.

The team would like to work out a long-term deal with WR David Givens, a restricted free agent, and at the very least will tender him high and match any offers. Most of the team's unrestricted free agents won't command big money on the open market and probably will re-sign.

However, the Patriots can't afford to let PK Adam Vinatieri hit the open market. It seems likely he will be locked up before March, allowing the team to focus on bolstering its secondary, getting younger at linebackers and adding depth.

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