How much salary cap space every NFL team has ahead of free agency

With just a couple weeks to go until NFL free agency begins, the league announced the salary cap. The NFL and NFLPA agreed to a $279.2 million cap – a new record after a $23.8 million increase from last year.

Now, teams can get ready for the NFL Draft and free agency accordingly. Some teams are in strong position with high draft picks and a slew of cap space to work with, while others might have to get creative to make a splash in free agency.

NFL free agency officially begins March 12. Here’s how much salary cap space each team has as they make their offseason plans, according to Spotrac.

1. New England Patriots: $129.78 million

The only team with more than $100 million, the New England Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL in 2025. It sets the franchise up for a huge offseason, armed with the No. 4 overall pick and a new head coach in Mike Vrabel.

Although the 2024 season was a rough one for New England, the Patriots appear to have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, who steadily improved as the season went along. With nearly $130 million in cap space, they could be in strong position to make notable improvements to set Maye up for future success.

2. Las Vegas Raiders: $96.62 million

It’s a new era in Las Vegas. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek are entering their first years in their respective roles for the Raiders, and all eyes are on the quarterback position.

Las Vegas has the No. 6 pick in the draft, which could be out of the range for the top two quarterbacks – Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. But with $96.62 million in salary cap space, the Raiders could enter the free agent market for their next quarterback along with other positions of need.

3. Washington Commanders: $83.71 million

Fresh off an NFC Championship appearance, led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders are looking to continue their upward trajectory in 2025. With $83.71 million in salary cap space, they’re in position to address multiple needs.

The Commanders put together an impressive turnaround last season, led by Daniels and new head coach Dan Quinn. One of the top priorities could be to get another wide receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin, and Washington has the space to fill that role if it opts for free agency.

4. Chicago Bears: $78.85 million

Amid a rocky first season of the Caleb Williams era, the Chicago Bears made a coaching change and eventually landed one of the top candidates on the market in Ben Johnson. But even though the quarterback appears to be in place, they still have multiple needs.

The Bears have the No. 10 overall pick in the draft this year and appear likely to take an offensive lineman, which proved to be a key weakness in 2024. Another option could be free agency since they have the fourth-most cap space in the NFL at $78.85 million.

5. Arizona Cardinals: $75.52 million

At 8-9, the Arizona Cardinals just missed the postseason in 2024. With Kyler Murray at quarterback, along with Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver and Trey McBride at tight end, they’re in position to maximize the fifth-most salary cap space in the league.

Arizona has the No. 16 overall pick in the draft, which presents multiple options in a deep class of prospects. Add in $75.52 million in salary cap space, and the Cardinals have multiple possibilities this offseason.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: $66.18 million

When Jim Harbaugh arrived in Los Angeles last year, he provided a boost of energy for the Chargers. They made the playoffs, and they also have the sixth-most salary cap space in the league for 2025.

Los Angeles finished 11-6 during the regular season before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Chargers are facing some big free agent decisions this offseason, including whether or not to let Khalil Mack go to free agency.

7. Minnesota Vikings: $63.66 million

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 season in what appeared to be a rebuilding year. But Sam Darnold helped lead them to 14 wins in a loaded NFC North – and the attention is again turning toward the quarterback position.

If Minnesota doesn’t apply the franchise tag, valued at about $40 million, Darnold is heading toward free agency. The question is if the Vikings plan to continue building around J.J. McCarthy after he missed 2024 due to injury or pay Darnold to build on last season’s success.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: $62.07 million

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing perhaps the most interesting offseason in the NFL. They have the eighth-most salary cap space in the league, but that might not be for long.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins is looking at free agency while star receiver Ja’Marr Chase and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson are both looking for extensions. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been adamant about his desire to re-sign all three, and how the Bengals go about it will be one of the biggest storylines to watch.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers: $59.75 million

While the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t necessarily expected to go big-game hunting at the position, they currently don’t have a quarterback on the roster. No matter what they decide to do – including bringing back Justin Fields or Russell Wilson – they’ll have nearly $60 million in salary cap space.

The Steelers have the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, and some mock drafts suggest they could select a wide receiver in that spot. But the question continues to be who the quarterback will be, and that is sure to come into focus over the next couple weeks.

10. Tennessee Titans: $53.99 million

With the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans can go a few directions. They have the 10th-most salary cap space in the league, and reports are they’ve received calls about whether that pick is available.

Whatever avenue the Titans take, Will Levis’ future will become clear one way or another. Tennessee has plenty of other needs, as well, as Brian Callahan enters Year 2 – including on the offensive line and at wide receiver.

Rest of the NFL teams’ salary cap space

11. Detroit Lions: $52.69 million
12. San Francisco 49ers: $51.16 million
13. New York Giants: $49.32 million
14. Green Bay Packers: $48.76 million
15. Los Angeles Rams: $43.44 million
16. Denver Broncos: $41.52 million
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: $36.82 million
18. Indianapolis Colts: $35.27 million
19. Carolina Panthers: $28.18 million
20. Philadelphia Eagles: $17.75 million
21. New York Jets: $15.43 million
22. Baltimore Ravens: $12.93 million
23. Miami Dolphins: $9.43 million
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $9.03 million
25. Kansas City Chiefs: $7.43 million
26. Houston Texans: $4.73 million
27. Dallas Cowboys: $1.39 milion
28. Atlanta Falcons: -$5.29 million
29. Seattle Seahawks: -$7.12 million
30. Buffalo Bills: -$10.36 million
31. Cleveland Browns: -$24.03 million
32. New Orleans Saints: -$47 million