Last week, the NFL sent a memo advising teams to expect the salary cap to fall between $277.5 million and $281.5 million per team.
Salary cap site OverTheCap.com has already incorporated the new cap limit, listing the San Francisco 49ers with $50.2 million in available cap space. However, this figure could change depending on adjustments and carryover from the 2024 cap.
Much of that space is expected to be allocated to the future, with quarterback Brock Purdy expected to sign a deal that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
The salary cap increase will help the 49ers extend contracts, retain key players, and potentially add new talent. Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season marred by injuries, the team is eager to rebound in 2025.
Here's a 10-year breakdown of the NFL salary cap, including the 2025 figure. The only decrease during this span occurred from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 2016: $155.27 million
- 2017: $167.0 million
- 2018: $177.2 million
- 2019: $188.2 million
- 2020: $198.2 million
- 2021: $182.5 million
- 2022: $208.2 million
- 2023: $224.8 million
- 2024: $255.4 million
- 2025: $279.2 million
The new league year begins on March 12, marking the start of free agency.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Trent Williams climbs in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings
A fourth San Francisco 49ers player has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list. Twelve-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 40, climbing five spots from his No. 45 ranking in 2025. No. 40 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@49ers OT... -
49ers' Brock Purdy closing in on impressive NFL passing record
Brock Purdy's critics may soon have to dig deeper into their bag of excuses to diminish what the San Francisco 49ers quarterback has accomplished throughout his career. Purdy is on track to break an NFL passing record currently held by Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. Purdy... -
49ers QB trait breakdown: How Brock Purdy and Mac Jones grade in B/R NFL 1000
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks, according to Bleacher Report's NFL 1000. The annual evaluation grades quarterbacks across six key traits—accuracy, processing, arm talent, decision-making, leadership, and pocket... -
NFL offers added motivation for rejuvenated 49ers WR Mike Evans in 2026
Don't hold your breath if you were waiting to see where San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans landed in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings. This week, the league revealed the veteran receiver narrowly missed the cut. Evans was ranked No. 101, making him the first...