Countdown To Free Agency: Salary Cap Numbers

It's coming.
Like that eventual Philadelphia Eagle post-season collapse.
Like that eventual Terrell Owens mid-season tantrum.
Like that eventual Tony Romo classical choke job.
We all know it's eventually going to come, but this time, it's coming hard.

Somewhere in that long five month thought process of Brett Favre deciding whether or not he is going to return to the NFL (I like to call this period: The Off Season), lurks a day that fans and players both enjoy: The start of NFL Free Agency.

This year, Free Agency starts on February 28th. On this day, owners and general managers will reach into their pocket, pull out their change, and come to terms with unrestricted free agents looking for a job. This is an important step in the off season, as well as improving a football team. Big name free agents will demand huge pay, and in return, owners will demand excellent performances.

NFL Free Agency Day is a holiday. It is a glorious time for the "NFL Nerd". And that's exactly what I am.

However, in order to sign big name free agents, you have to have the dough. (Joke: Except if you're the Redskins). In order for you to get prepared for the start of free agency, we will provide you with several, "Countdown To Free Agency" articles. These will keep you on your toes, and provide you with better information come that glorious last day in February. So, if you're ready, to start things off, I have come up with a list of every team's salary cap status. This way, you can tell how much your favorite team has to spend on their next big star.

Amount of cash to spend

1. Tampa Bay: $42 million
2. Arizona: $41 million
3. Denver: $34 million
4. Kansas City: $33 million
5. Tennessee: $31 million
6. Miami: $28 million
7. Buffalo: $27 million
8. Detroit: $26 million
9. San Francisco: $26 million
10. Houston: $25 million
11. Philadelphia: $25 million
12. Cincinnati: $22 million
13. New England: $21 million
14. Minnesota: $20 million
15. Atlanta: $20 million
16. Pittsburgh: $19 million
17. Baltimore: $19 million
18. Chicago: $19 million
19. Green Bay: $18 million
20. Cleveland: $17 million
21. Jacksonville: $16 million
22. San Diego: $14 million
23. NY Giants: $11 million
24. Dallas: $10 million
25. Carolina: $9 million
26. Seattle: $9 million
27. St. Louis: $8 million
28. Oakland: $4 million
29. Indianapolis: $2 million OVER THE CAP
30. Washington: $3 million OVER THE CAP
31. New Orleans: $5 million OVER THE CAP
32. NY Jets: $7 million OVER THE CAP

Tune in for more free agency information.
Including: Team Top Needs, Rumors, and our analysis.

-Alec
alec82@gmail.com