NFL Salary Cap
The 2026 salary cap is set at $301.2 million, an increase of $22 million from 2025 ($279.2M). This increase marks the first time the League's cap surpasses $300 million. Just four years ago the cap eclipsed the $200 million threshold (in 2022).
Below is the NFL’s salary for each season since it was conceived in 1994.
| NFL Salary Cap | |
| Year | Cap |
| 2026 | $301.2M |
| 2025 | $279.2M |
| 2024 | $255.4M |
| 2023 | $224.8M |
| 2022 | $208.2M |
| 2021 | $182.5M |
| 2020 | $198.2M |
| 2019 | $188.2M |
| 2018 | $177.2M |
| 2017 | $167.0M |
| 2016 | $155.27M |
| 2015 | $143.28M |
| 2014 | $133.0M |
| 2013 | $123.0M |
| 2012 | $120.6M |
| 2011 | $120.0M |
| 2010 | No Cap |
| 2009 | $128.0M |
| 2008 | $116.0M |
| 2007 | $109.0M |
| 2006 | $102.0M |
| 2005 | $85.5M |
| 2004 | $80.6M |
| 2003 | $75.0M |
| 2002 | $71.1M |
| 2001 | $67.4M |
| 2000 | $63.2M |
| 1999 | $57.3M |
| 1998 | $52.4M |
| 1997 | $41.5M |
| 1996 | $40.8M |
| 1995 | $37.1M |
| 1994 | $34.6M |
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
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