Check out the available cap space for all NFL teams ahead of free agency
Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LIX host committee handoff press conference.
The NFL season has just ended and the start of the next one is still months away. However, teams still have a lot of planning to do at this time of the year. Everyone will be busy making roster moves, looking out for potential free-agent signing, trades, and the all-important draft. Some teams are also having to deal with a significant dead money cap. And for all this, it is not just planning and strategizing that needs to be looked at but also the financial aspect and how to best manage a roster based on the cap space available with each team.
The NFL announced that the salary cap would increase from $255.4M in 2024 to somewhere between $277.5 million and $281.5 million for the 2025 season which will ease the burden somewhat for teams near or over the cap limit. Taking the estimated midpoint of $279.5 million as the baseline, here is how the cap space for each team will look as per Over The Cap.
Available Cap Space Per NFL Team
As things stand at the moment, the New Orleans Saints need to make major moves and contract restructuring as they are over the cap by $47.2 million. On the flip side, the New England Patriots sit pretty with $126.7 million at their disposal.
Team
Available Salary Cap
Dead Money
New Orleans Saints
-$47.2 million
$48,432,346
Cleveland Browns
-$24.3 million
$51,556,440
Buffalo Bills
-$10.1 million
$11,820,022
Seattle Seahawks
-$6.5 million
$248,329
Atlanta Falcons
-$5.0 million
$3,451,660
Miami Dolphins
$1.6 million
$27,847,807
Dallas Cowboys
$2.5 million
$20,725,931
Houston Texans
$5.0 million
$19,676,224
Kansas City Chiefs
$7.9 million
$226,354
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
$8.4 million
$32,128,419
Baltimore Ravens
$13.0 million
$8,691,146
Philadelphia Eagles
$19.6 million
$50,861,930
New York Jets
$23.9 million
$22,381,413
Carolina Panthers
$24.8 million
$15,062,017
Indianapolis Colts
$35.2 million
$816,703
Jacksonville Jaguars
$38.2 million
$22,241,468
Denver Broncos
$41.8 million
$33,452,617
Los Angeles Rams
$44.4 million
$19,957,506
New York Giants
$48.4 million
$27,299,521
Green Bay Packers
$49.1 million
$18,314,706
San Francisco 49ers
$50.7 million
$34,970,802
Tennessee Titans
$51.1 million
$11,551,924
Detroit Lions
$51.9 million
$18,802,932
Cincinnati Bengals
$53.1 million
$357,962
Pittsburgh Steelers
$60.3 million
$45,335
Minnesota Vikings
$63.3 million
$10,727,822
Chicago Bears
$69.0 million
$2,385,227
Los Angeles Chargers
$70.4 million
$3,350,553
Arizona Cardinals
$76.5 million
$9,257,497
Washington Commanders
$82.2 million
$8,127,733
Las Vegas Raiders
$99.6 million
$29,273,438
New England Patriots
$128.3 million
$7,239,378
New Orleans Saints: -$47.2 million (over the cap)
The New Orleans Saints have a lot to deal with this offseason as they need to work out how to get compliant with the salary cap. With $47.2 million over the cap, many big decisions face the Saints organization as they will need to keep a fair amount for the draft as well.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Dereck Carr – QB
$51.45 million
Cameron Jordan – DE
$20.06 million
Taysom Hill – TE
$18.23 million
Cleveland Browns: -$24.3 million (over the cap)
The Cleveland Browns made one of the worst decisions ever when they signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to a mega fully guaranteed deal back in 2022. Not only has Watson not lived up to his contract owing to his suspension and injuries, but he also comes with a massive cap hit. Myles Garrett, their best player on the defense has requested a trade but as far as the Browns are concerned they want to keep him longer which means more cap issues.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Deshaun Watson – QB
$72.93 million
Denzel Ward – CB
$24.56 million
Myles Garrett – DE
$19.72 million
Jack Conklin – RT
$19.17 million
Buffalo Bills: -$10.1 million (over the cap)
Josh Allen is the biggest cap hit for the Buffalo Bills heading into 2025. However, they have a few more players with cap hits close to above $20 million. Defensive end, Von Miller, who is 36 now, could be a potential trade candidate and that would free up a lot of cash.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Josh Allen – QB
$44.73 million
Von Miller – DE
$23.81 million
Ed Oliver – DT
$20.67 million
Dion Dawkins – LT
$19.99 million
Seattle Seahawks: -$6.5 million (over the cap)
The Seahawks, who are a little over $6 million over the cap should be able to make some adjustments to get back under the limit. Their biggest cap hits come from quarterback Geno Smith and veteran wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Geno Smith – QB
$44.50 million
D.K. Metcalf – WR
$31.87 million
Tyler Lockett – WR
$30.89 million
Dre’Mont Jones – DE
$25.64 million
Atlanta Falcons: -$5 million (over the cap)
The Falcons’ biggest cap hit comes from Kirk Cousins, but that is not all. They have nearly 6 players whose cap hit is close to or more than $20 million. The Falcons have some needs at the edge and the secondary.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Kirk Cousins – QB
$40.00 million
Chris Lindstrom – G
$22.25 million
Jesse Bates III – FS
$22.25 million
Jake Matthews – LT
$21.77 million
Grady Jerrett – DT
$20.37 million
Miami Dolphins: $1.6 million available
The Miami Dolphins are just over the cap with $1.6 million. They will still have to work out a few details in preparation for free agency, trades, and of course the draft. The veteran duo of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill are the biggest cap hits for Miami.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Tua Tagovailoa – QB
$39.44 million
Tyreek Hill – WR
$28.69 million
Bradley Chubb – OLB
$28.66 million
Terron Armstead – LT
$22.81 million
Dallas Cowboys: $2.5 million available
The Cowboys need to reload this year if they are to make significant progress after a disappointing 2024. They will need to use their cap space wisely, especially given that their top 3 players, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons make up the majority of their cap hit.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Dak Prescott – QB
$89.89 million
CeeDee Lamb – WR
$35.45 million
Micah Parsons – DE
$24.00 million
Houston Texans: $5 million available
The biggest plus factor for the Texans is that quarterback C.J. Stroud is on his rookie deal. That has allowed them to spread out the cash among other position needs. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has the highest cap hit, but even that is under $30 million.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Laremy Tunsil – LT
$28.85 million
Danielle Hunter – OLB
$23.70 million
Tytus Howard – RT
$23.07 million
Kansas City Chiefs: $7.9 million available
The AFC Champions have nearly $8 million worth of cap space, but the biggest question going into 2025 revolves around tight end Travis Kelce and whether or not he is coming back. If he retires, the Chiefs will free up plenty of cash to use elsewhere. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ has the biggest cap hit.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Patrick Mahomes – QB
$66.25 million
Chris Jones – DT
$34.85 million
Jawaan Taylor – RT
$27.39 million
Joe Thuney – G
$26.97 million
Travis Kelce – TE
$19.80 million
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $8.4 million available
Tampa Bay has $8.4 million worth of cap space. They have five players above $20 million in cap hit with quarterback Baker Mayfield being the highest.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Baker Mayfield – QB
$35.77 million
Tristan Wirfs – LT
$31.36 million
Mike Evans – WR
$25.35 million
Antoine Winfeld Jr. – G
$25.00 million
Vita Vea – DT
$22.52 million
Baltimore Ravens: $13 million available
The Ravens have a little bit of cap space available, the increase in salary cap this year has helped them to that extent. Their top 3 players, Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, and Roquan Smith each have cap hits above $20 million, but after that, it is not so bad.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Lamar Jackson – QB
$43.65 million
Marlon Humphrey – CB
$25.37 million
Roquan Smith – ILB
$23.71 million
Philadelphia Eagles: $19.6 million available
The best part about this Eagles’ team is that there are several key players on their rookie contracts and they have made quite an impact during this year’s Super Bowl run. Their highest cap hit comes from Jalen Hurts and even that is under $22 million. It is looking very rosy for Philadelphia based on the way their team is formed.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Jalen Hurts – QB
$21.86 million
A.J. Brown – WR
$17.59 million
Lane Johnson – RT
$17.41 million
New York Jets: $23.9 million available
The New York Jets as a franchise are struggling to gain any momentum. The green side of New York hasn’t been to the playoffs for nearly 15 years and even 4-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers couldn’t save them. With $23.9 million already available, it is likely the Jets will have even more cap space after the departure of Rodgers and quite possibly Davante Adams as well.
For now, though, both players are top cap hits for New York.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Davante Adams – WR
$38.34 million
Aaron Rodgers – QB
$23.50 million
Quinnen Williams – DT
$21.65 million
Carolina Panthers: $24.8 million available
The Carolina Panthers’ cap situation is decent enough. Their quarterback Bryce Young is still on his rookie deal and they have only 3 players near or above $20 million in cap hit.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Taylor Moton – RT
$31.34 million
Robert Hunt – G
$21.65 million
Derrick Brown – DT
$19.54 million
Indianapolis Colts: $35.2 million available
The Colts currently have a little over $35 million in cap space. This is another team with a quarterback on his rookie deal.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
DeForest Buckner – DT
$26.60 million
Michael Pittman Jr. – WR
$23.00 million
Quenton Nelson – G
$22.76 million
Braden Smith – RT
$19.75 million
Jacksonville Jaguars: $38.2 million available
2024 was supposed to be a better year than 2023 for Jacksonville, but it went the other way. The Jaguars need help and they have the cap space to make some moves.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Christian Kirk – WR
$24.11 million
Evan Engram – TE
$19.54 million
Trevor Lawrence – QB
$17.00 million
Denver Broncos: $41.8 million available
The Denver Broncos now find themselves in a good position as far as the cap space is concerned. Only 3 players are around the $20 million cap hit.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Mike McGlinchey – RT
$23.75 million
Courtland Sutton – WR
$20.20 million
Zach Allen – DE
$19.82 million
Los Angeles Rams: $44.4 million available
The Rams are in pretty good shape with respect to their cap space. They have nearly $45 million at their disposal and if rumors are to be true, they could gain even more with the Cooper Kupp trade.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Matthew Stafford – QB
$49.66 million
Cooper Kupp – WR
$29.78 million
Kevin Dotson – G
$17.91 million
New York Giants: $48.4 million available
The New York Giants are going to need every bit of the $48 million they have in cap space to rebuild a good roster. The need of the hour is the quarterback position and if they don’t land one in the draft, then free agency or trade are the options.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Brian Burns – OLB
$29.75 million
Dexter Lawrence – DT
$23.84 million
Andrew Thomas – LT
$21.08 million
Green Bay Packers: $49.1 million available
Green Bay has quite a fair bit of money should they require to use it. The Packers are a solid team and have been trending in the right direction but it still seems like they are a couple of notches below their rivals. Cornerback Jaire Alexander could very well be traded though, and that will free up some more cash.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Jordan Love – QB
$29.75 million
Rashan Gary – OLB
$25.52 million
Jaire Alexander – CB
$25.48 million
Kenny Clark – DT
$20.36 million
San Francisco 49ers: $50.7 million available
Last year, the San Francisco 49ers had an unexpected downfall. Granted, they faced several injuries to key players that derailed their season, but even then having reached the Super Bowl in the 2023 season, much more was expected from them. With $50 million in cap space, finance is not much of an issue.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Fred Warner – OLB
$29.17 million
George Kittle – TE
$22.08 million
Trent Williams – LT
$21.65 million
Nick Bosa – DE
$20.51 million
Tennessee Titans: $51.1 million available
The Titans were quite active during the offseason in 2024 acquiring players such as L’Jarius Sneed, Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Tony Pollard, and others. They let Derrick Henry go but other than that it looked like they could head in the right direction. Although that didn’t happen, the Titans have a decent amount of cap space once again to make some roster moves for 2025.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Calvin Ridley – WR
$28.00 million
Harold Landry – OLB
$24.05 million
L’Jarius Sneed – CB
$23.52 million
Jeffery Simmons – DT
$22.80 million
Detroit Lions: $51.9 million available
For the second year in a row, the high-flying Detroit Lions crumbled under pressure in the postseason. After yet another impressive season, the Lions just couldn’t make it to the Championship game. Cap space is under control but it’s not like they need too many roster moves either.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Jared Goff – QB
$32.60 million
Taylor Decker – LT
$23.33 million
Frank Ragnow – C
$14.05 million
Cincinnati Bengals: $53.1 million available
The Bengals have several big questions looming over them. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both are in line for a new contract and Higgins could be franchise tagged for the second straight year. Signing both of them is going to be a challenge even with the $53 million that they have.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Joe Burrow – QB
$46.25 million
Ja’Marr Chase – WR
$21.81 million
Trey Hendrickson – DE
$18.66 million
Pittsburgh Steelers: $60.3 million available
The Pittsburgh Steelers look to be a good roster defensively but they need firepower on the offense. They also need to decide on their quarterback room, whether to bring back Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. The quarterback class is considered to be a weak one this time around, so this will be a big decision.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
T.J. Watt – OLB
$30.41 million
Minkah Fitzpatrick – SS
$22.35 million
Cameron Heyward – DE
$19.65 million
Minnesota Vikings: $63.3 million available
This year was quite a surprise to many as the Vikings went toe to toe with the Lions for the NFC North crown. In spite of losing the home-field advantage in the playoffs in the final game of the season, and then going on to bow out in the Wild Card round, Minnesota performed exceptionally. They have the cash to spend which can be used to shore up their interior offensive line, running back, or defensive line.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Brian O’Neill – RT
$26.01 million
Jonathan Greenard – DE
$22.30 million
T.J. Hockenson
$16.85 million
Chicago Bears: $69.0 million available
After the end of the 2023 season, the Bears went from ‘can we make the playoffs to – we can absolutely go deep into the playoffs to – will we ever get back?’ Chicago’s 2024 offseason was intense. They drafted well and signed well, they already had a strong defense, but somehow they still won only 5 games with number one overall pick Caleb Williams who was supposed to take the league by storm. In any case, Chicago still has room to improve their roster with cap space nearly at $70 million.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Montez Sweat – DE
$25.08 million
D.J. Moore – WR
$24.90 million
Jaylon Johnson – CB
$21.00 million
Los Angeles Chargers: $70.4 million available
With the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers were much more competitive even with a tight budget. This time around though, Harbaugh has plenty of time and the necessary funds to work with in free agency. The Chargers could look at the wide receiver room and get Herbert some help.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Justin Herbert – QB
$37.34 million
Joey Bosa – OLB
$36.47 million
Derwin James – SS
$23.85 million
Rashawn Slater – LT
$19.04 million
Arizona Cardinals: $76.5 million available
Arizona has plenty of positions of need heading into 2025. A dominant edge rusher is one key area the Cardinals need to look at along with other positions such as wide receiver, and both defensive and offensive lines. With $76.5 million, they have ample room to work with.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Kyler Murray – QB
$45.61 million
Jonah Williams – RT
$16.06 million
Jalen Thompson – SS
$13.72 million
Washington Commanders: $82.2 million available
The Commanders really surprised most of us this season with their turnaround from the 2023 season. Led by rookie Jayden Daniels, head coach Dan Quinn guided the team all the way to the NFC Championship game before bowing out. And with an abundance of cap space available, the Commanders could fill quite a few gaps in their roster.
Top cap-hit players
Cap hit
Daron Paine – DT
$26.17 million
Terry McLaurin – WR
$25.50 million
Jonathan Allen – DT
$22.35 million
Las Vegas Raiders: $99.6 million available
The Raiders were the only team that struggled from the AFC West last season and they need to make quite a few moves if they are to get back to winning ways. Their biggest need is at quarterback and while they could look at the draft, it will be hard to find a good candidate at number 6 in this weak QB class. The funds are there, it now depends on how they use them.
Well, the New England Patriots have several positions of need and while they will address some of them in the draft, they need to hit the market aggressively. They are well over $100 million in cap space which they should use in free agency and trades.
I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!
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