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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Offseason

NFL sets 2025 salary cap at $279.2M, a $23.8M jump

Thu Feb 27 1:44pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL teams were informed on Thursday that the 2025 salary cap will be a record $279.2 million per club, a $23.8 million increase from last season.

The NFL and the players association agreed to the number that the 32 teams must be under when the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

It had been previously reported that this year's cap would be somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million.

The biggest factors contributing to the cap's climb are the league's most recent TV rights deals with its broadcast partners.

The cap has risen annually since 2011, except for 2021 when the league prioritized recovery from the pandemic, including loss of live attendance gate and concessions profits.

In 2011, the cap was $120.37 million. It crossed the $200 million barrier in 2022 at $208.2 million and was at $255.4 million last season.

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Cole Bishop Feb 27 12:50pm CT
Cole Bishop

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that safety Cole Bishop will "have every chance" to be a starter in 2025. Head coach Sean McDermott also said the team will be counting on Bishop to make an impact next season, but it will also depend on how much work he puts in in the offseason. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia thinks safety Damar Hamlin would almost certainly have to settle for a below-market deal if he wants to stay with the Bills as the backup to Bishop in 2025. The 22-year-old Bishop was taken in the second round (60th overall) in 2024 out of Utah and had a promising rookie campaign, recording 40 tackles (25 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season games (four starts) in Buffalo. Bishop led the team with 10 total tackles in the AFC Championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Feb 27 12:40pm CT
Matt Milano

Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano has had two long-term injuries over the last two years, which puts him in the conversation as a potential salary-cap casualty this offseason, but the Bills are expecting him back in 2025. Milano suffered a torn biceps before the 2024 season but was able to rehab and return by the end of the year. Also, cutting Milano this year would incur an $11 million dead-cap hit in 2026. The 30-year-old only ended up playing in four games for the Bills in 2024, but the team expects him to be a starter again in 2025 now that he'll be able to have a normal, healthy offseason. In his four games last season, Milano recorded 16 tackles (seven solo) and two fumble recoveries. He was a first-team All-Pro back in 2022, though, so if he can return to his pre-injury form, it will be a huge boost to Buffalo's defense and put him back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lavonte David Feb 27 12:30pm CT
Lavonte David

Sources told Josina Anderson that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers met with linebacker Lavonte David's agent on Wednesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and "it was a positive conversation." The Buccaneers are still willing to give David plenty of time to make a decision on whether he wants to continue his career. Additionally, other NFL teams are checking on the 35-year-old veteran's potential interest in playing elsewhere. The former second-round pick by Tampa in 2012 had his 11th 100-plus-tackle year in 2024 in his 13th year in the league, also adding 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, an interception, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season starts in 2024. It would be a surprise if Davis announced his retirement since he's still playing at a high level despite his age.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Feb 27 11:30am CT
Travis Hunter

At the 2025 NFL Combine, top draft prospect Travis Hunter said he wants to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. The Colorado product is at the combine primarily as a defensive back, but he won't participate in on-field work. However, some teams view him more as a wide receiver at the next level. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after posting 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he racked up 36 tackles (25 solo), one tackle for loss, four interceptions, and 11 passes defended. The 21-year-old is a unicorn of a prospect, but there remains uncertainty around his role in the NFL, and it could vary widely depending on which team selects him. Hunter is difficult to analyze as a fantasy football prospect, but if he lands with a team that wants to use him as a full-time wideout, he has no shortage of upside.

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Matthew Stafford Feb 27 11:30am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford should know where he is going to play in 2025 by March 14, according to NFL insider Albert Breer. March 14 marks the official start of free agency, and the Rams owe Stafford $4 million in the form of a roster bonus if he's with the team by that date. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly the top potential suitors for Stafford if he is moved, but the Rams could ultimately offer Stafford more money to stay with the organization. While Stafford is entering his age-37 season in 2025, he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and could be headed toward a significant pay raise.

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Dak Prescott Feb 27 11:20am CT
Dak Prescott

During a radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said he has heard the Dallas Cowboys have talked to the Tennessee Titans about moving up for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Florio said he is not sure how serious the talks have been. "Now I think a lot of teams talk about moving around and I don't know if you guys have heard that," Florio said. "But that's a jump and I don't know what you would have to put into that or whether you'd have to put Micah Parsons into that package if it would go that way. But teams talk all the time." Dallas putting a significant package of picks or players to move up to No. 1 would be a surprise given quarterback Dak Prescott is under contract long-term, and the roster has significant holes to fill on offense and defense. This could just be pre-draft noise, but it's a development worth monitoring if more news comes out about the possibility.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Feb 27 11:10am CT
Tee Higgins

The New England Patriots are not expected to pursue pending free agent Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Higgins in hopes of reaching a long-term extension, but the Patriots are out on Higgins either way, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Instead, New England is focused on building its offensive and defensive line, something new head coach Mike Vrabel valued highly during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. New England needs to get better at the wide receiver position, but it sounds like the team is not looking to spend big on a wideout this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Feb 26 11:00pm CT
Kirk Cousins

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that trading quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 is the best course of action for the Atlanta Falcons from a salary cap standpoint. However, it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 and $10 million next year after Cousins was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024. The Falcons would absorb $37.5 million in dead money on their 2025 camp if they trade him. If they release him outright before March 17, they'd take on $65 million in dead money this year. If they release him before March 17 as a post-June 1 cut, they'd take on $40 million in dead money this year and $25 million in 2026. The 36-year-old didn't look great coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also dealt with a right-shoulder injury in 2024. It remains to be seen if a QB-needy team will be desperate enough to trade for Cousins.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Feb 26 10:42pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is likely to be on the team's roster in 2025 -- he'll be making $8 million this year, with $6.11 million fully guaranteed. However, ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that there has been a lot of chatter about Chicago adding another running back this offseason, based on the formula that worked for new head coach Ben Johnson when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and they used RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. This year's crop of free-agent RBs isn't nearly as strong as last year's, though -- it's headlined by Najee Harris, Aaron Jones and Alexander Mattison -- so Graziano thinks it's more likely the Bears draft a RB in the early rounds rather than sign one in free-agency to pair with Swift. This year's draft class is expected to be very deep, which can't be said about the free-agent RB class.

Cam Ward Feb 26 9:10pm CT
Cam Ward

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (shoulder), who will not work out at the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis due to a shoulder injury that he suffered late last year, said he is close to being 100 percent healthy. Once he's cleared, Carter plans to do a battery of workouts at Penn State's Pro Day on March 28. "I think I'm about 90 percent right now. I feel like the next month, it's going to be really close to 100," Carter said. While either Miami quarterback Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders are projected to No. 1 overall in this year's NFL draft, Carter is also in play and said he feels "like I'm the best player in the country." The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder proved to be a game-changer while recording 12 sacks for the Nittany Lions in 2024 to earn All-American status. Despite his shoulder injury, Carter should be a top-five pick in April's draft.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whitehead Feb 26 9:00pm CT
Jordan Whitehead

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) that they will not exercise his $3.75 million option bonus for the 2025 season, which will make him a free agent in a few weeks, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. A neck injury that Whitehead suffered in a car accident caused him to miss the Week 18 regular-season finale and the loss to the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round. The 27-year-old ended up suiting up to start 12 games in 2024 in his return to Tampa and had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in his seventh year in the NFL. It was a drop in production after he recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles and career-high four interceptions in 17 starts for the New York Jets in 2023. Whitehead is expected to be fully recovered from his neck injury in time for the start of the 2025 season, so he should be able to find a landing spot elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Feb 26 6:53pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle has had contract extension talks with the 49ers this offseason but an agreement may take some time because the 49ers have other things to work out, according to general manager John Lynch.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle has been a reliable option for the 49ers and fantasy players for multiple seasons and should see a good amount of targets again in 2025. He will be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jarran Reed Feb 26 6:43pm CT
Jarran Reed

Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent DT Jarran Reed is a player head coach Mike Macdonald would like to re-sign this offseason.

From TheHuddle

Matthew Stafford Feb 26 6:23pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford's representatives met with the New York Giants Tuesday, Feb. 25, according to a source.

Fantasy Spin: Stafford is being allowed to talk with other teams about his value, but the Giants likely will have to acquire him in a trade if they want to have him play for them in 2025. Fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation to see where Stafford plays next season, but he probably will be a high-end No. 2 fantasy quarterback.

From TheHuddle

Travis Kelce Feb 26 6:13pm CT
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Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is believed to be deciding on his playing future, but general manager Brett Veach said the Chiefs expect Kelce to play in 2025.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation over the next few weeks because Kelce likely will make a decision soon. He is a big part of the Chiefs passing game and will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues if he continues playing.

From TheHuddle

Sam Darnold Feb 26 6:00pm CT
Sam Darnold

If the Minnesota Vikings bring back impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold, ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that they'd be blowing up their plans for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) and their entire roster. Putting the franchise tag on Darnold this year and again next year would cost around $40 million in 2025 and around $48 million in 2026. If they reach an extension with him, he'd likely have a salary cap number around $28 million in 2026. In comparison, McCarthy's cap numbers over the next three years are around $5 million, $6 million and $7 million. Meanwhile, receiver Justin Jefferson's 2026 and 2027 camp numbers are around $39 million and $43.5 million, respectively. Minnesota obviously believed enough in McCarthy being their future franchise QB when they took him 10th overall in 2024, but then he required season-ending knee surgery and Darnold had a career year. Based on this logic, it seems likely the Vikes will let Darnold walk in free agency and turn to McCarthy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Jones Feb 26 5:33pm CT
D.J. Jones

Denver Broncos impending free-agent DT D.J. Jones' representatives are scheduled to talk with the Broncos this week about a possible contract, according to general manager George Paton.

From TheHuddle

Micah Parsons Feb 26 5:20pm CT
Micah Parsons

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Dallas Cowboys All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons, who is heading into his fifth-year-option season in 2025, might end up being the highest-paid defensive player in the league whenever he signs a contract extension. Because that distinction could also be made for a few other players as well, Graziano thinks the Cowboys would be smart to get Parsons locked up long term sooner than later. There are no salary-cap implications here, as Parsons' salary and 2025 camp number for 2025 are both $24.007 million. An extension will create much more cap space for the team since it would likely come with a big signing bonus and drop Parsons' 2025 salary to the veteran minimum. The former 12th overall pick has been a Pro Bowler in all four of his NFL seasons and has at least 12 sacks a year since entering the league in 2021.

From RotoBaller

Davon Godchaux Feb 26 4:40pm CT
Davon Godchaux

The New England Patriots have given defensive tackle Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Interested teams have already made contact with Godchaux, and the veteran defensive lineman will likely be on the move this offseason given the team's scheme change on defense. In his fourth year in New England, the 30-year-old accumulated 67 combined tackles (second-most in his career) and a pass breakup in 17 starts. While he hasn't been an asset to fantasy managers in IDP formats (only 5.5 career sacks in eight seasons), Godchaux has been extremely reliable for the Patriots and has played in every single game since joining the team in 2021. He was originally taken in the fifth round (178th overall) by the Miami Dolphins in 2017 out of LSU and spent his first four years in the NFL in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Feb 26 4:30pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said on Wednesday at the NFL Combine that the team feels like they can win with quarterback Derek Carr, and new head coach Kellen Moore also said the team feels fortunate to have Carr on the roster. The Saints still have contract stuff to figure out with Carr, but as things currently stand, it sounds like the team plans on bringing the 33-year-old veteran back in 2025. Carr has a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025, and the Saints currently have the worst cap situation in the NFL, so something has to give. Restructuring his contract could free up $31 million this year, although it would push his cap hit to around $69 million in 2026. Carr played in a career-low 10 games in 2024 due to a broken hand and a concussion. Even with Moore in town, fantasy managers in 12-team, one-QB leagues are going to be avoiding him in drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller