The NFL has informed teams that the salary cap for the 2025 season will increase by at least $22 million per team, bringing the total figure to somewhere between $277.5 million and $281.5 million.
This marks a significant jump from last season’s record-setting cap of $255.4 million.
In a memo sent to teams, the league noted that the final number has yet to be determined due to ongoing discussions with the NFL Players Association regarding a $9 million deferral that was smoothed out of last year’s cap.
This increase continues a trend of rising salary caps, with the total figure now up more than $53 million over the last two seasons.
The sharp climb reflects the financial strength of the league, which secured $110 billion in media rights agreements spanning a decade back in 2021.
Last year’s $30.6 million jump was the single largest in league history, fueled in part by repaying COVID-era financial adjustments.
For teams across the league, the increased cap provides much-needed flexibility, particularly for front offices managing key contract negotiations.
Speaking of which, three teams in particular who figure to be among the biggest benefactors of the increase are the following…
-Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are facing critical contract talks with three of their biggest stars.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, one of the NFL’s most dominant playmakers, will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 and is widely expected to sign a massive extension.
Meanwhile, fellow receiver Tee Higgins is set to hit free agency, with speculation mounting that Cincinnati will use the franchise tag before the March 4 deadline.
On the defensive side, pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, is under contract only through 2025.
With the increased salary cap, the Bengals are projected to have $49.7 million in effective cap space, boosting their chances of keeping at least two – if not all three – of these cornerstone players.
-Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning Super Bowl LIX champions have a handful of key contributors set to hit the open market, including linebacker Zack Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and guard Mekhi Becton.
Despite the cap increase, the Eagles are expected to have just $17 million in available space, meaning tough decisions lie ahead.
However, Philadelphia has a strong track record of maneuvering the cap to retain talent. The extra room created by the rising cap could provide them with more flexibility to do so once again.
-Dallas Cowboys
For Micah Parsons, the salary cap news couldn’t have come at a better time. The All-Pro edge rusher is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been vocal about his desire for a lucrative long-term deal.
The Cowboys’ salary situation, however, is tight. Even with the cap increase, Dallas is projected to be $1.7 million over the cap.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has previously delayed extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, only to see their price tags rise as the market continued to escalate.
Given that history, the higher cap could prompt Jones to move quickly on Parsons’ deal to avoid a similar outcome.
The next steps in finalizing the cap will unfold soon.
The league and the NFLPA are expected to conclude their discussions next week, just in time for the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis.
The combine often serves as a prime venue for agents and general managers to negotiate deals ahead of free agency, which officially kicks off with the start of the new league year on March 12.
What are your thoughts on the significant increase to the salary cap???
