With the new league year set to begin on March 12, the NFL is closing in on its salary cap for the 2025 season.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the NFL informed teams Wednesday morning that the 2025 salary cap will be in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million. That’s a minimum $22 million and a maximum $26 million increase from the 2024 season, which was $255.4 million.
In conclusion, the salary cap has increased by more than $53 million over the last two years.
The NFL today informed teams that the 2025 per-team salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million, way up from last year’s $255.4 million. Cap will have increased by more than $53 million over the last two years.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 19, 2025
According to TexansCap, the Houston Texans updated cap space is set for $7.08 million entering free agency. That number should increase after contract restructures and roster cuts to free up more space.
Houston plans on making several moves this offseason, including potentially extending All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. The former No. 3 overall pick posted record-setting numbers in 2024, including a career-high 18 pass breakups and five interceptions.
Stingley mentioned he wanted to play for the Texans for the rest of his career and Houston has no intentions of letting him walk. The Texans could pick up his fifth-year option while working out the basics of his contract entering training camp.
*Updated Projection for the Houston Texans salary cap space. Using the low end of the reported salary cap projection. pic.twitter.com/eqeEXSSkdL
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) February 19, 2025
The Texans could also bring back All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a new one-year contract. Initially thought to be a one-year rental, Diggs was limited to eight games because of a torn ACL.
General manager Nick Caserio said on his Wednesday appearance with SportsRadio 610’s “Payne & Pendergast,” that he’d be “absolutely open” to bringing back Diggs before the new calendar year begins.
“We have good relationships with Stef and his representation,” Caserio said. “We enjoyed having Stef in the building. So, the door is always open. A number of players have expressed sentiments and interest in potentially returning to our team next season. We never rule anything out, so we’re going to be open-minded.”
Players who could be roster cuts include offensive lineman Shaq Mason, offensive tackle Tytus Howard, defensive lineman Dencio Autry, and tight end Dalton Schultz, though the latter likely won’t happen due to the dead cap hit against his three-year contract.