2025 NFL salary cap rises significantly, reaches record-high $279.2 million in 2025

The NFL’s salary cap will be a record-high $279.2 million in 2025, an increase of $23.8 million.

The league informed teams of the new cap figure on Thursday during the NFL Scouting Combine.

The salary cap was set at $255.4 million in 2024, up more than $30 million from the previous year. The NFL’s salary cap will have more than doubled since being $123 million in 2009. It was $188.2 million in 2019.

It was $34.608 million in 1994, the first year the NFL had a salary cap. Total projected player costs, including benefits, are slotted at $362.48 million.

The bump is great news for Cincinnati, which is hoping to sign receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term contract. It also means more money for Minnesota to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold or Kansas City to bring back guard Trey Smith or Super Bowl champion Philadelphia to keep linebacker Zack Baun.

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It’s also significant for teams projected to be over the cap when the new league year begins in March: Atlanta, Seattle, Buffalo and Cleveland. It might not be enough to save New Orleans, which is more than $50 million over the projected cap and by far in the worst shape heading into 2025.

Teams must be under the cap by 4 p.m. ET on March 12.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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