NFL free agency is set to kick off on March 12, when the new league year begins. All 32 teams will be looking to bolster their rosters by signing free agents to new deals.
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The good news is the NFL raised the salary cap to $279.2 million, which is $23.8 million more than the previous record high of $255.4 million that was set in the 2024 season. With an increase in the overall cap, teams can navigate tricky contract situations to land high-profile players to fill in roster holes.
That said, there are multiple teams that have far more flexibility in terms of available cap. Here are the top five teams with the most cap space heading into free agency.
These figures are provided by overthecap.
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Everything is looking up for the Washington Commanders, as the team has $64.2 million in cap space heading into free agency, and has a team that nearly went to the Super Bowl in 2024.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels produced 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 891 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns en route to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and being named to the Pro Bowl.
Though the team missed the Super Bowl by one game, they could become dangerous in 2025. The Commanders also landed Deebo Samuel, who will immediately bolster the offense.
With $64.2 million to work with, Washington could shock the world in 2025.
The Los Angeles Chargers are right above the Commanders, posting $65.3 million in available cap. This should go a long way for the team adding a much-needed wide receiver.
The Chargers lucked out by drafting Ladd McConkey, who turned into one of the fastest and most dynamic route runners in 2024. Though just a rookie, he carved out 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns.
More is needed than McConkey, as the Chargers are missing a deep threat for Justin Herbert to gun the ball to. Though the team became a heavy run-first type of offense, a WR1 is needed to line up next to McConkey.
Expect the Chargers to swing big with $65.3 million available in cap. They have been tied to Tee Higgins, and could certainly afford him.
The Arizona Cardinals had plenty of promise in 2025, but the team failed to make an impact. The team went 8-9, and just couldn’t get things going the way they hoped.
Arizona is in desperate need of a rebuilt defensive line, and they could certainly afford one of the many pending free agents. One name to keep an eye on could be Khalil Mack.
Mack will return in 2025, but it will be up to the Chargers to offer him a lucrative deal. The Cardinals could swoop in and offer a better deal to steal away the ageless phenom.
The Las Vegas Raiders are certainly a team that needs a bit of a rebuild, and they can do so with $95.3 million. The team needs a quarterback and wide receiver, among many other positional needs.
Las Vegas already attempted to lure Matthew Stafford over from the Los Angeles Rams and had offered him a lucrative deal. Stafford ended up staying put, which will lead the team to explore other quarterback options.
One such option is Sam Darnold, who is also a free agent and was not franchise tagged by the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders could offer him a sizable contract to be the offensive leader in 2025.
The New England Patriots have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and a young quarterback in Drake Maye. Now, the team will enter free agency with the most available cap, and can easily rebuild through landing high-profile players.
Like the Raiders, the Patriots need some wide receiver help, among many other things. However, they have the most cap space and could find a way to turn their massive wiggle room into rebuilding a team that is ready to compete in 2025.
The Patriots have also been tied to Higgins and could be the team to watch in terms of offering him a deal he cannot walk away from.
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