More money, fewer toys to go out and buy. Such is the situation NFL teams face starting tomorrow at 12:01 a.m., when free agency begins officially.

Though the salary cap will reach an all-time high of $116 million this year, teams have better managed the pitfalls of heavy losses in recent years by signing players to long-term contracts before they can hit the open market. And there’s always the last-ditch option of placing either the transition or franchise tags on players, a move that usually angers both player and agent. In all, 12 players (up from seven last year) were named their teams’ franchise players — including two non-full-time starters, Green Bay’s Corey Williams and Cincinnati’s Stacy Andrews — guaranteeing them a one-year salary at the average of the top five players at their position or a 120% raise over their 2007 salary.

Among the 12 “franchise” players who likely won’t be switching uniforms — other teams must forfeit two first-round draft picks to try to sign them — starting tomorrow include: Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs, Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dasnby.

But two high-profile Patriots players, in theory, are free. Receiver Randy Moss was not given the franchise tag, ostensibly because the team either didn’t want to anger him or it feels confident a deal to re-sign is in place. Most people think Moss is coming back, as the Patriots can’t officially announce a deal until after midnight.

But cornerback Asante Samuel is a different story. The team promised him last year they would not tag him this offseason in order to get him not to hold out. That strategy worked, and though the team recently cleared $6 million off the books by cutting linebacker Roosevelt Colvin, it is not expected to retain his services.

Enter just about every other team with cap room.

Locally, the Jets are likely to be in on the discussions with Samuel, but if they do, expect the Patriots to rev up the latest chapter of the modern-day Hatfields and McCoys with a threat of tampering charges against their nemeses. Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers, is quoted on Newsday.com as saying the Jets’ “interest level is where it needs to be for them to either a) make a run at him or b) get him,” which might be grounds for tampering because teams are not allowed to have contact regarding prospective free agents on other teams before tomorrow. Neither side has commented, nor have the Patriots.

Other teams expected to make a big push for Samuel right out of the gate include the Eagles, Saints, and Buccaneers, though others will call. Several reports suggest that the Bucs are not considered legitimate candidates to land Samuel and are being used to drive up the price for another team. And the money, from one team or another, most certainly will be there.

After that, it’s a mixed bag of talent. The consensus top unrestricted free agents at other spots include Steelers offensive guard Alan Faneca, Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, Chargers running back Michael Turner, and Bengals defensive end Justin Smith.

Faneca will draw interest from the Cardinals, who are coached by former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, and the Bears, who need offensive-line help. Briggs appears to be on the move, with the 49ers the leading contender, though they too could be hit with tampering charges for early contact. Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup, should find starting work quickly, with the Texans, Bears, Panthers and Bucs heading the list of running-back-needy teams. Smith could follow Briggs to San Francisco, but he also has been mentioned with Tampa Bay.

The Jets, like many teams, are flush with cap space, and though they have plenty of needs, especially along the front seven, there are not a ton of big-name solutions — save for Samuel — who are available. Possibilities include Cardinals OLB Calvin Pace, a pass-rush specialist who has played in the 3–4 defense; Raiders defensive lineman Tommy Kelly, who also fits in the 3-4 and can handle multiple spots; and 49ers defensive end Marques Douglas, who is a rugged run-stopper but not much of a pass rusher. Left guard and right tackle are other spots of need. Among the Jets who are expected to walk include linebacker Victor Hobson and safety Erik Coleman.

The Giants probably won’t be big players in free agency, though two of their defensive starters from the Super Bowl might attract some attention. With Dallas’ Ken Hamlin receiving the franchise tag, Cincinnati’s Madieu Williams and the Giants’ Gibril Wilson are the most coveted players atop what is otherwise a crummy lot of safeties. Wilson is expected to give the Giants a chance to match any deal he is offered, but if the annual salary rises to the $5 million range, he’ll be playing elsewhere. The Giants won’t match that. And there’s this: Wilson’s replacement is not currently on the roster, and it’s an awful year for safeties in the draft. Among the teams expected to vie for Wilson include the Eagles and Jaguars.

The other Giants starter who could leave is linebacker Kawika Mitchell, though team sources have appeared upbeat when asked if they feel they can retain him. Mitchell was GM Jerry Reese’s first free-agent signing of note last season in what was a relatively quiet period for the team. Expect more of the same this time around. The biggest noise could come from a possible trade for Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who reportedly has played his final game in Atlanta. In fact, many teams will explore trade options with so few impact free agents out there.

One league personnel man said by phone yesterday that he thinks teams looking to make a quick fix in this class will come away disappointed. That said, he thinks there are a few intriguing names farther down the list who could help clubs out.

“It’s not the worst (free-agent class) I have seen, but it’s not good,” he said. “But there’s always talent. I think the defensive line and offensive line might have a few decent guys (available), but the top guys are going to be way overpriced. The teams that sit out the early rush, wait and see what’s left, they might find a few guys they like.

“Look at the Giants last year. They signed one guy (Mitchell). That just shows you don’t need to open your checkbook and blow it all on high-priced guys.”

Mr. Edholm, a senior editor at Pro Football Weekly, can be reached at eedholm@pfwmedia.