NFL sets 2022 salary cap, reveals franchise tag number by position

The NFL has sent a memo to all teams with the final 2022 salary cap numbers, including the franchise tag price points for each position. The 2022 NFL salary cap has been set at $208,200,000 this year, the first time it’s been over $200 million.

2022 NFL salary cap details

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting business for the NFL, the league was on pace to break the $200 million threshold last season. Unfortunately, that did not happen and the salary cap took a slight dip from the $198 million mark set in 2020 down to $182.5 million. On Monday, the NFL informed teams that the cap has officially increased to it’s highest point ever at just over $208 million.

As teams begin to maneuver under the new cap and salaries increase, players and teams both are conscious of the salary cap continuing to increase as well. The 2023 NFL season will coincide with new television contracts going into effect, and the salary cap is expected to spike alongside the new deals. For now though, teams will work with the increase in a changing market for players.

Along with the new salary cap, the NFL provided the price point for teams to use their non-exclusive franchise tag on a specific position. The franchise tag can be used to secure a player’s contract for an additional season at the pre-set value — a number determined by averaging the top-5 contract amounts at that position in the league. Transition tags function in a similar manner, but the price point is determined by averaging the top-10 contracts for that position.

The difference between the two tags regards the contract negotiation process. If a player is given the franchise tag, other teams have the option to offer a new contract to that player. The player’s team has the right to match any offer, and if they choose not to they are entitled to two first-round draft picks from the offering team. The transition tag is a lower price point, but does not offer the additional protection of draft picks.

2022 Non-exclusive Rights Franchise Player Tenders
Quarterback — $29,703,000
Running Back — $9,570,000
Wide Receiver — $18,419,000
Tight End — $10,931,000
Offensive Linemen — $16,662,000
Defensive End — $17,859,000
Defensive Tackle — $17,396,000
Linebacker — $18,702,000
Cornerback — $17,287,000
Safety — $12,911,000
Kicker/Punter — $5,220,000

2022 Transition Player Tenders
Quarterback — $27,186,000
Running Back — $8,034,000
Wide Receiver — $16,782,000
Tight End — $9,392,000
Offensive Linemen — $15,348,000
Defensive End — $16,012,000
Defensive Tackle — $14,716,000
Linebacker — $15,783,000
Cornerback — $15,167,000
Safety — $10,817,000
Kicker/Punter — $4,701,000