NFL salary cap increase: Three teams ready to reap the rewards

The NFL's decision to increase the salary cap by at least $221 million will allow every team to re-evaluate their rosters before the 2025 season.

Although every team will benefit, the increase will have notable consequences for those with limited cap space or key players set to hit free agency.

DAZN News reveals the three teams positioned to be the biggest winners from the salary cap rise.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals face imminent contract negotiations for three of their most important players.

Ja'Marr Chase, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, will enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and is expected to sign a mammoth extension.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to become a free agent and was rumoured to be franchise-tagged before the deadline on March 4.

• Read next | NFL salary cap set to skyrocket by at least $22 million

Star edge defender Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, is only under contract through 2025.

Following the cap increase, the Bengals are expected to have $49.7 million in effective cap space, providing hope that they could retain at least two, if not all three players.

Philadelphia Eagles

Linebacker Zack Baun, edge defender Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and guard Mekhi Becton all made significant contributions during the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX-winning 2024 season, and all four are scheduled to become free agents.

Even after the cap increase, the Eagles are projected to have only $17 million remaining, making it unlikely that they will retain all four players.

However, the Eagles have proven adept at creating additional room, and the salary cap increase could make it easier for them to keep talent on the roster.

Dallas Cowboys

All-Pro edge defender Micah Parsons is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and has made no secret of his desire for a long-term extension.

The salary cap increase was music to Parsons' ears.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones delayed extending the deals of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, which ultimately resulted in each player commanding more money as their value and the market increased.

Assuming Jones has learned from past mistakes, the salary cap increase may incentivise Jones to address Parsons' contract earlier than he initially intended.

Firstly, Jones must find a way to make more money available. Even after the salary cap increase, the Cowboys are projected to be $1.7 million over the cap.

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