NFL sets salary cap at $182.5 million, down 8%

The NFL has announced that the 2021 salary cap will be $182.5 million, the first decrease in 10 years.

Last year’s cap: $198.2 million.

This year’s cap: $182.5 million.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2021

This season’s cap figure is an eight percent decrease from the $198.2 million allowed in 2020

According to ESPN, cap limits had risen in every year since 2011 in conjunction with rising league revenues, but a 92% drop in attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced revenues in 2020.

Because of the eight percent decrease teams are expected to release a high number of veteran players to either get under the limit or make space for other roster needs.

According to the Denver Post’s Ryan O’Halloran, the Broncos have $44,975,008 of cap space not counting safety Justin Simmons’ unsigned franchise tender (estimated $13.729 million). If Simmons signs the tender before agreeing to a long-term deal, the Broncos have $31,246,008 of space.

Teams must be in compliance with the cap by next Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, when the new league year begins.

Related

As Broncos don pads, Riley Moss, Pat Bryant among those stepping up their gameJahdae Barron has not moved to safety, according to Sean PaytonSean Payton says he’ll give Davis Webb ‘some suggestions, some mandates’Broncos and Adam Trautman have been an ideal match, as his contributions go beyond on-field workPump the brakes on any bold Troy Franklin predictions in 2026Jahdae Barron should be on notice during Broncos training camp