The NFL has announced that the salary cap for the 2025 season will be set at $279.2 million, reflecting a $23.8 million increase from the 2024 season's cap figure.
Last week, the NFL sent a memo advising teams to expect the salary cap to fall between $277.5 million and $281.5 million per team.
Salary cap site OverTheCap.com has already incorporated the new cap limit, listing the San Francisco 49ers with $50.2 million in available cap space. However, this figure could change depending on adjustments and carryover from the 2024 cap.
Much of that space is expected to be allocated to the future, with quarterback Brock Purdy expected to sign a deal that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
The salary cap increase will help the 49ers extend contracts, retain key players, and potentially add new talent. Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season marred by injuries, the team is eager to rebound in 2025.
Here's a 10-year breakdown of the NFL salary cap, including the 2025 figure. The only decrease during this span occurred from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 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
- 2025: $279.2 million
The new league year begins on March 12, marking the start of free agency.