The NFL increased the salary cap to $279.2 million, which is $23.8 million more than the previous record high of $255.4 million, which was established in the 2024 season. This is wonderful news. Teams can negotiate complex contract scenarios to acquire well-known players to cover roster gaps if the overall cap is raised.
Nevertheless, there are a number of teams with significantly greater cap flexibility. Prior to free agency, these five teams had the most cap space.
Commanders in Washington: $64.2 million
With $64.2 million in cap space going into free agency and a squad that came close to winning the 2024 Super Bowl, the future of the Washington Commanders is bright.
Jayden Daniels, a rookie quarterback, won Offensive Rookie of the Year and was selected to the Pro Bowl with 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 891 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns.
The team could be formidable in 2025 even if they were one game away from winning the Super Bowl. Deebo Samuel was also acquired by the Commanders, and he will boost the offensive right away.
In 2025, Washington might surprise everyone with $64.2 million.
The Los Angeles Chargers ($65.3)
The Los Angeles Chargers have $65.3 million in available cap, which puts them just above the Commanders. The team will be able to add a much-needed wide receiver thanks to this.
The Chargers made a mistake by selecting Ladd McConkey, who became one of 2024’s most explosive and quick route runners. Despite being a rookie, he scored seven touchdowns and gained 1,149 yards.
The Chargers are lacking a deep threat for Justin Herbert to shoot the ball to, so they need more than McConkey. A WR1 is required to line up next to McConkey even if the club switched to a heavy run-first system.
The Chargers have $65.3 million in cap space, so expect them to swing big. They could definitely afford Tee Higgins, with whom they have a connection.
$77.9 million and the Arizona Cardinals
Despite having a lot of potential, the Arizona Cardinals were unable to make an impression in 2025. The team struggled to get things going the way they had intended, finishing 8–9.
Arizona could definitely afford one of the numerous pending free agents, and they are in dire need of a reconstructed defensive line. Khalil Mack might be one name to watch.
Mack will make a comeback in 2025, but the Chargers will need to make him an attractive offer. The ageless phenom might be taken away by the Cardinals with a higher offer.
The $95.3 million Las Vegas Raiders
With $95.3 million, the Las Vegas Raiders can rebuild their team, which is definitely in need of some work. In addition to numerous other positional needs, the team needs a quarterback and a wide receiver.
Matthew Stafford had already been offered a big contract by Las Vegas in an effort to entice him away from the Los Angeles Rams. The fact that Stafford chose to remain will force the organization to look at other quarterback possibilities.
Sam Darnold, a free agent who was not franchise tagged by the Minnesota Vikings, is one such alternative. He might receive a big contract offer from the Raiders to lead the offense in 2025.
$127 million for the New England Patriots
Drake Maye is a young quarterback and Mike Vrabel is the new head coach of the New England Patriots. Now that they have the largest cap available going into free agency, the team can simply rebuild by acquiring well-known players.
The Patriots, like the Raiders, need a lot of help, including at wide receiver. They do, however, have the most cap space, and they could be able to use it to develop a club that is competitive in 2025.
Higgins has also been linked to the Patriots, so they might be the team to keep an eye on if they want to make him an offer he can’t refuse.