Wednesday, October 14, 2026

NFL Salary Cap Rises to Record $224.8M for 2023

  • It’s a significant raise from 2022’s $208.2 million cap — which was also a record.
  • The 2021 cap dipped to $182.5M due to pandemic-related shortfalls.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The NFL has seemingly completely recovered from its pandemic-related shortfalls and then some, to the tune of a record salary cap.

On Monday, the league informed teams that the salary cap for the 2023 season would be $224.8 million per team — a new high after 2022’s $208.2 million record, per multiple reports.

Due to decreased revenue due to the 2020 COVID-affected season, the 2021 cap decreased to $182.5 million after reaching a then-record $198.2 million in 2020. After two huge increases in a row, the NFL appears to be back on track.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero points out that the collective bargaining agreement is a revenue-sharing deal that has added enough value from the NFL’s new 17th regular season game and new media contracts to justify continuous raises in the salary cap.

One of the league’s new revenue streams is coming from Google, who just agreed to take on the league’s “NFL Sunday Ticket” package for a reported $2 billion per season — with the possibility to rise to $3 billion annually by the end of the seven-season deal.

With the new salary cap number, teams will begin navigating free agency.

Per Spotrac, the Chicago Bears — holders of the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft — are in the best position to do so with a total cap hit of just $135.7 million.

Conversely, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast the current highest cap hit in the league at $285.5 million.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Will Be Selective With Game-Day Schedule, Says Media Chief

International Super Bowl is “a little bit far” off.

Ohio Gov. Issues Executive Order Challenging NCAA Eligibility Policy

The EO may not have teeth, but it could still impact eligibility.

ESPN Exec Mike Foss: Pat McAfee ‘Might Be a Journalist At Heart’

Foss said he had “absolutely nothing” to say to McAfee’s critics.

Chris Berman: Damar Hamlin Incident Slowed NFL 18-Game Push

The NFL declined to comment on Berman’s comments.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/14/26 – Live From FOS’s Tuned In: Chris Berman on NFL’s 18-Game Push, Pablo Torre Says He’s Investigating LeBron’s Chopper, and More

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
October 13, 2026

LPGA Commissioner: Good Good Driver Ad ‘Brutal’ Situation

Kessler said people should be allowed to make mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
Elle Duncan Front Office Sports
October 13, 2026

Elle Duncan: WNBA Culture Wars Are ‘Open Season’ on Black Women

Duncan reiterated her belief that covering the league is “toxic as hell.”
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR
October 13, 2026

Michael Jordan Is ‘All In’ on Racing After Legal Fight

The NASCAR CEO said the Bulls legend is a “true fan.”
October 13, 2026

MLS Not Looking Into NYCFC Owners Over Man City Violations

Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
FOS Tuned In
October 13, 2026

Jessica Berman: It’s ‘My Job’ to Solve NWSL Louisville Problem

Louisville falling behind “shows you how quickly this league has changed.”
Exclusive
October 13, 2026

WNBA Moves Finals Dates So Dream Can Play in NBA Arena

Game 3 was moved up a day.