• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Cap Crunch: NFL Teams Slash, Shuffle Rosters Before Free Agency

The NFL’s free-agency period officially opens March 12, when all 32 teams must be under the $279.2 million salary cap. Clubs are making big moves to clear financial space.

NorthJersey

NFL franchises are beginning to make roster moves with major financial implications ahead of the new league year starting next week. 

The 2025 salary cap has been set at $279.2 million, and teams cannot exceed that number when free agency begins March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. Clubs can begin negotiating with players and agents at midnight on March 10, also known as the “legal tampering” period.

As of Wednesday evening, five franchises still needed to cut cash to become salary-cap compliant, according to Spotrac: the Dolphins, Falcons, Bills, Browns, and Saints.

The Saints are a league-high $46 million over the cap, leaving them with plenty of work to do ahead of next week. The Browns are second-highest, needing to shed nearly $23 million, and are dealing with Deshaun Watson’s $72.7 million cap hit in 2025. Cleveland’s superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett, who has requested a trade, is set to count $19.7 million against the cap next season.

Money Moves

On Wednesday, the Chiefs agreed to trade guard Joe Thuney to the Bears, which freed up $16 million of cap space, almost exactly how much they needed to become cap-compliant, despite the move leaving Kansas City with a $10.9 million dead-cap hit.

The Cowboys freed up $56.6 million in 2025 cap space by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks released veteran receiver Tyler Lockett to create $17 million of cap space, and the Jets cut Davante Adams, saving the team $29.9 million.

Expect the financial moves to continue throughout this week and early next week, as the NFL’s free-agency frenzy ramps up once again.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 8, 2025

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive
October 7, 2025

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.