NFL anticipates salary cap to be between $277.5M and $281.5M in 2025, potentially increasing by up to $26M

NEW YORK — The NFL’s salary cap for the 2025 season is projected to range between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, marking an increase of up to $26 million from the previous year.

This increase is especially promising for teams like Cincinnati, which is looking to secure a long-term deal for wide receiver Tee Higgins. Additionally, this cap rise benefits teams such as Minnesota, which may wish to retain quarterback Sam Darnold, and Kansas City, which aims to re-sign guard Trey Smith. The Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles might also find room to keep linebacker Zack Baun.

The news is particularly relevant for franchises that are anticipated to exceed the salary cap at the onset of the new league year in March; teams like Atlanta, Seattle, Buffalo, and Cleveland could find themselves needing to make adjustments. However, it is likely insufficient to assist New Orleans, which is expected to be more than $50 million over the projected cap, putting them in the most challenging financial position heading into 2025.

The salary cap was established at $255.4 million in 2024, reflecting a jump of over $30 million from the year prior.

The estimated range for 2025 is derived from ongoing discussions between the league and the NFL Players Association. The union has the opportunity to reclaim up to 50% of $9 million in deferred payments from 2024, while the remaining balance is set to be retrieved in 2026. The definitive salary cap figure is anticipated to be confirmed shortly.

Regardless of its finalization, it is noteworthy that the NFL’s salary cap has seen significant growth, having more than doubled from $123 million in 2009 to a substantial increase to $188.2 million in 2019.