NFL anticipates salary cap to reach $277.5M to $281.5M in 2025, increasing by up to $26M

NEW YORK — The NFL has announced that the salary cap for the 2025 season will be set between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, reflecting an increase of up to $26 million from the previous year. This development represents significant financial flexibility for various teams as they prepare for the next season.

For franchises like Cincinnati, this increase is particularly promising as they aim to secure a long-term deal with wide receiver Tee Higgins. Similarly, Minnesota will have additional resources to potentially re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold, while Kansas City may look to retain guard Trey Smith. The Super Bowl champions from Philadelphia, too, could benefit by keeping their linebacker Zack Baun amidst a competitive market.

This financial boost is crucial for other teams projected to exceed the salary cap when the new league year kicks off in March, including Atlanta, Seattle, Buffalo, and Cleveland. However, New Orleans is facing a more challenging situation, with projections showing they are over the cap by more than $50 million, placing them in a difficult position as they head into 2025.

In 2024, the salary cap was established at $255.4 million, marking an increase of over $30 million compared to the previous year. The anticipated salary cap range for 2025 comes from ongoing discussions between the NFL and its Players Association. The union is entitled to reclaim 50% of $9 million in deferred payments from 2024, while the balance will be recovered in 2026. A final cap figure is expected to be confirmed in the coming week.

Overall, regardless of the exact figure, the NFL’s salary cap has seen tremendous growth, more than doubling from $123 million in 2009 to this projected range for 2025. For comparison, the cap stood at $188.2 million in 2019.