The NFL's salary cap is set for another significant jump in 2025—exceeding initial projections. ESPN's Dan Graziano first reported that the league informed teams the salary cap is expected to range between $277.5 million and $281.5 million per team, marking a staggering $53 million increase over the past two years.
The NFL today informed teams that the 2025 per-team salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million, way up from last year's $255.4 million. Cap will have increased by more than $53 million over the last two years.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 19, 2025
This is great news for the San Francisco 49ers, who are negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. It's also a win for Purdy's agent, knowing the team might have more financial flexibility than initially anticipated.
"We expect to conclude negotiations over the 2025 Player Cost and Salary Cap amount next week but can provide a projected Salary Cap range of $277.5 - $281.5 million per Club that can be used in your planning leading into the Combine," the NFL told teams in a memo. "Keep in mind that this range is subject to change based on further negotiations with the NFL Players Association."
The 49ers operated under a $255.4 million cap in 2024. According to OverTheCap.com, calculating under an estimated $279.5 million cap number, the team currently projects to have about $50.7 million in cap space—before factoring in Purdy's upcoming deal.
Beyond Purdy's contract, the 49ers face some key roster decisions. Several key contributors are set to hit free agency, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, which has its own salary-cap implications. If San Francisco trades him before June 1, they'll absorb a significant dead-money hit. A post-June 1 release, however, would be the more cost-effective option.
The 49ers could still restructure several existing contracts to create additional flexibility as they navigate a crucial offseason and look to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season.
Below is a 10-year breakdown of the NFL salary cap. The only decrease during this span occurred from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2015: $143.28 million
- 2016: $155.27 million
- 2017: $167.0 million
- 2018: $177.2 million
- 2019: $188.2 million
- 2020: $198.2 million
- 2021: $182.5 million
- 2022: $208.2 million
- 2023: $224.8 million
- 2024: $255.4 million