The NFL salary cap for 2025 is set to rise significantly, with projections estimating an increase to between $277.5 million and $281.5 million. This marks a substantial jump from the $255.4 million cap in 2024, providing teams with additional flexibility to sign free agents and retain key players.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are positioning themselves to address their biggest roster needs. Below is a breakdown of key teams, their draft positions, salary cap situations, and critical needs heading into the offseason.
Top Teams in the 2025 NFL Draft and Their Offseason Needs
#3 Pick – New York Giants
• Primary Needs: QB, OT, OG, CB, S, DT
• Salary Cap Ranking: #11
• Available Cap Space: $45,124,074
• Free Agents: 25
The Giants find themselves in a prime position to select a franchise quarterback, with quarterback play being a significant issue in 2024. Offensive line upgrades are also a priority, making an offensive tackle or guard a potential target if they opt to wait on a QB.
#7 Pick – New York Jets
• Primary Needs: QB, DT, OT, S, CB
• Salary Cap Ranking: #22
• Available Cap Space: $7,033,724
• Free Agents: 28
With limited cap space and multiple needs, the Jets have tough decisions to make. Quarterback remains a pressing concern, while upgrades in both trenches (defensive tackle and offensive tackle) will be key in ensuring long-term success.
#12 Pick – Dallas Cowboys
• Primary Needs: RB, OG, DT, LB, CB
• Salary Cap Ranking: #26
• Available Cap Space: -$5,740,470 (Over the Cap)
• Free Agents: 25
The Cowboys enter the offseason with one of the worst cap situations, meaning significant roster cuts or restructures will be necessary. Running back is a pressing need, as well as adding depth along the defensive line and linebacker corps.
#13 Pick – Miami Dolphins
• Primary Needs: S, DT, OG, LB, QB
• Salary Cap Ranking: #27
• Available Cap Space: -$7,678,641 (Over the Cap)
• Free Agents: 35
With the highest number of pending free agents (35), Miami has an uphill battle in terms of roster retention. Salary cap maneuvering will be necessary, but drafting a safety or defensive tackle early would help solidify their defense.
#21 Pick – Pittsburgh Steelers
• Primary Needs: QB, CB, RB, WR, OT
• Salary Cap Ranking: #9
• Available Cap Space: $50,703,775
• Free Agents: 25
Pittsburgh has one of the better salary cap situations, providing flexibility to address its quarterback situation while improving offensive playmakers. A cornerback or offensive tackle could be strong selections with their first-round pick.
#28 Pick – Detroit Lions
• Primary Needs: Edge, CB, WR, OG, DT
• Salary Cap Ranking: #8
• Available Cap Space: $50,036,121
• Free Agents: 32
Coming off a strong season, Detroit looks to build upon its success. With solid cap space and an aging defensive front, adding an edge rusher or cornerback could be priorities.
#29 Pick – Washington Commanders
• Primary Needs: Edge, OT, WR, LB, CB
• Salary Cap Ranking: #3
• Available Cap Space: $79,510,623
• Free Agents: 29
Washington has the third-most cap space in the league, giving them an opportunity to spend aggressively in free agency. They could look to draft an offensive tackle or impact pass rusher to solidify the trenches.
#32 Pick – Philadelphia Eagles
• Primary Needs: Edge, LB, OG, K
• Salary Cap Ranking: #20
• Available Cap Space: $12,006,273
• Free Agents: 25
The Eagles have a mid-tier salary cap situation and will likely focus on improving their pass rush and linebacker depth in the draft. With special teams struggles, they could also look to draft a kicker late.
Final Outlook
With a rising salary cap and multiple teams facing critical offseason decisions, the 2025 NFL Draft will play a crucial role in shaping the future of these franchises. The Giants and Jets are positioned to potentially land top quarterbacks, while teams like Washington and Detroit have the financial flexibility to be aggressive in both free agency and the draft. As the offseason unfolds, expect these teams to make significant moves to address their needs.