The National Football League (NFL) informed teams on Thursday that the salary cap for the 2025 season will be raised from $255.4 million to $279.2 million.

The $23.8 million increase is the third largest of the past 30 years – just being the 2021-2022 ($25.7 million) and 2023-2024 ($30.6 million) increases. 

The deal was agreed upon between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) that teams’ payrolls have to be under $279.2 million before the new year starts on March 12th. 

The salary cap has increased every over the past three decades minus 2010 (failed collective bargaining agreement) and 2021 (COVID year). 

For fun and crazy comparisons, in 1995, the salary cap was at $37.1 million – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (29) earns a yearly average of $45 million alone. 

With a strong free agent field this season, expect some possible record-breaking deals as the NFL continues to be the country’s money maker among professional sports.