NFL Teams Sharpening Their Rosters: Navigating Cuts and Cap Space in 2025
The echoes of Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles soared to victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, have barely faded, yet the NFL landscape is already buzzing with offseason activity. Teams are deep in preparation for the 2025 season, meticulously evaluating their rosters and strategizing how to maximize their salary cap space. With the new league year officially kicking off on March 12th, the pressure is on for general managers to make tough decisions, balancing talent retention with financial flexibility.
The Rising Tide: The 2025 Salary Cap
The financial landscape of the NFL is set for a significant shift. The league has informed teams that the 2025 salary cap will land between $277.5 million and $281.5 million per team. This marks a substantial increase from the $255.4 million cap in 2024, providing much-needed relief for teams grappling with tight budgets. This surge is the second consecutive year of larger-than-expected growth, totaling over $53 million since 2023.
For teams like the New Orleans Saints, who were projected to be significantly over the cap, this news offers a glimmer of hope. While difficult choices still loom, the increased cap provides more maneuvering room to restructure contracts or make necessary cuts.
The Balancing Act: Cuts and Cap Casualties
As teams adjust to the new cap figures, many are forced to make difficult decisions, parting ways with established players to free up funds. These cuts, while often painful, are a necessary part of roster management, allowing teams to address pressing needs and pursue new talent in free agency.
Several notable players have already become cap casualties. The Los Angeles Chargers, for instance, are reportedly likely to cut ties with star edge rusher Joey Bosa, despite his Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Bosa’s hefty $36.5 million cap hit for 2025 is a significant burden, and releasing him would free up $25.4 million for the Chargers to bolster their roster.
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to move on from quarterback Kirk Cousins. While releasing Cousins wouldn’t create immediate cap space, it would help them save some money. Cousins is already guaranteed $27.5 million for the 2025 season and is due a $10 million roster bonus when the new league year opens on March 12. The Falcons would be stuck with $65 million in dead money if they released Cousins.
Other notable cuts include Aaron Rodgers from the New York Jets, Preston Smith from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Raheem Mostert from the Miami Dolphins. These moves highlight the harsh reality of the NFL, where even established veterans can find themselves on the chopping block in the pursuit of financial efficiency.
Teams with Room to Roam: Cap Space Leaders
While some teams are shedding salary, others are sitting pretty with ample cap space to make significant moves in free agency. According to Sportsgrid.com, the New England Patriots lead the league with a projected $123.9 million in cap space. This financial flexibility positions them to be major players in the free-agent market, potentially reshaping their roster with top-tier talent.
Other teams with significant cap space include:
- Las Vegas Raiders: $92.6 million
- Washington Commanders: $79.5 million
- Chicago Bears: $74.6 million
- Los Angeles Chargers: $65.6 million
- Arizona Cardinals: $63.5 million
These teams have the financial wherewithal to address key needs, whether it’s bolstering their offensive line, adding playmakers on offense, or fortifying their defense.
Key Dates on the Horizon
The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of activity, with several key dates looming large:
- March 4: Franchise tag deadline. Teams must decide whether to use the franchise tag on eligible players, potentially preventing them from hitting the open market.
- March 10-12: Free agency negotiation period (legal tampering period). Teams can contact and negotiate with agents of impending unrestricted free agents.
- March 12: Official start of NFL free agency and the new league year. Contracts can be officially signed, and trades can be processed. Teams must also be under the salary cap at this time.
Potential Free Agency Targets
With free agency on the horizon, several high-profile players are set to hit the open market. NFL.com’s list of the top 101 free agents includes Tee Higgins, Trey Smith, and Milton Williams. These players, along with others, will be highly sought after by teams looking to upgrade their rosters.
Restructuring for the Future
Teams are also exploring contract restructures as a means of creating cap space. By converting a portion of a player’s salary into a signing bonus, teams can push cap hits into future years, providing immediate financial relief. However, this strategy can also create long-term cap challenges if not managed carefully.
The Denver Broncos, for example, could approach wide receiver Courtland Sutton about a contract extension. Sutton is entering a contract year and is set to make $13.5 million in salary. There are ways for the Broncos to extend him and even pay him more money, while reducing his 2025 cap hit, which currently sits at $20.2M.
The Road Ahead
As the NFL offseason unfolds, expect a flurry of activity as teams navigate the complexities of cuts, cap space, and free agency. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have a profound impact on the landscape of the league, shaping the contenders and pretenders for the 2025 season.