NFL teams will have more money to spend than ever before in 2025. A record-high salary cap is expected to land between $277.5 million and $281.5 million — a significant increase from 2024’s $255.4 million spending limit.
That doesn’t mean everyone will be able to splurge. With weeks to go until the 2025 free agent period officially enters its legal tampering phase on March 12, some franchises are still projected to be over next fall’s spending limit and will need to make cuts or restructure existing contracts to fall in compliance. Other teams will be able to spend at will without having to make many painful roster decisions.
Who’s slated to have the most cash? Here’s everyone’s salary cap space as free agency looms, assuming an as-yet-unannounced salary cap of $279.5 million. These estimates are courtesy of the wildly useful Over the Cap.
Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterack Drake Maye (10) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB Jonathan Jones
Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: S Tre’Von Moehrig
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: LB Bobby Wagner
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) escapes a tackle by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: LB Kyzir White
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates with wide receiver Quertin Johnston (1) after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: EDGE Khalil Mack
Chicago Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell (39) returns a punt for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Biggest 2025 free agent: G Teven Jenkins
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepts Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff’s pass, during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Biggest 2025 free agent: QB Sam Darnold
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: QB Russell Wilson/Justin Fields
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and running back Chase Brown (30) celebrate after a first down run by Burrow in the second quarter of the NFL Week 16 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. The Bengals led 17-0 at halftime.
Biggest 2025 free agent: WR Tee Higgins
Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates his touch down against the Minnesota Vikings with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881132 ORIG FILE ID: 20250105_ajw_kd7_324.jpg
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB Carlton Davis
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 05: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans hands the ball off to teammate Tony Pollard #20 during the first half against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Biggest 2025 free agent: OL Dillon Radunz
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151530 ORIG FILE ID: 2188926627
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB Charvarius Ward
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881110 ORIG FILE ID: 20241223_ams_usa_0216.JPG
Biggest 2025 free agent: C Josh Myers
Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) reacts with wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) after catching a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: WR Darius Slayton
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play at the one of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: OT Alaric Jackson
Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) reacts to scoring a touchdown as Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) and safety Geno Stone (22) look on with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Enquirer/Albert Cesare / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: LB Cody Barton
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) rushes for yards en route to a touchdown against New York Jets cornerback Kendall Sheffield (27) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jets held off the Jaguars 32-25. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Biggest 2025 free agent: G Brandon Scherff
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen fist bumps Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: S Julian Blackmon
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: EDGE Josh Sweat
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB Michael Jackson
Dec 22, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881103 ORIG FILE ID: 20241222_bjp_ae5_050.JPG
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB D.J. Reed
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: OT Ronnie Stanley
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 05: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates surpassing a 1,000 receiving yards for the season in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saintsat Raymond James Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Biggest 2025 free agent: WR Chris Godwin
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 29: Nick Bolton #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with his teammates after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151507 ORIG FILE ID: 2187500999
Biggest 2025 free agent: G Trey Smith
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: WR Stefon Diggs
Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880919 ORIG FILE ID: 20240926_bjp_ae5_046.JPG
Biggest 2025 free agent: DL Osa Odighizuwa
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) scrambles with the ball as Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) attempts to make a tackle during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: S Jevon Holland
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 29: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151572 ORIG FILE ID: 2191811347
Biggest 2025 free agent: C Drew Dalman
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) following a touchdown pass to Metcalf during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881106 ORIG FILE ID: 20241222_jmn_sn8_016.JPG
Biggest 2025 free agent: LB Ernest Jones
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: CB Rasul Douglas
Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Biggest 2025 free agent: RB Nick Chubb
Nov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (10) celebrates a touchdown with New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881014 ORIG FILE ID: 20241110_jcd_ft8_0382.JPG
Biggest 2025 free agent: EDGE Chase Young
