There may be no bigger impact on the upcoming offseason than the NFL teams with the most cap space for 2024. These teams will have the most flexibility and will be in a position to be the most aggressive in free agency this offseason.
After all, no player can earn the franchise tag or receive one of the largest contracts in NFL history from a team that doesn't have a lot of cap space.
NFL Cap Space by Team for 2024
To help you prepare for the upcoming season, we wanted to provide a list of NFL caps by team. This way, you will know where each team stands and how much money they have to spend during the season.
We'll also take a closer look at which NFL teams have the most cap space in 2024 and how they could use that cap space.
- Leaders: $83.5 million
- Titans: $73.9 million
- Patriots: $69.9 million
- Colts: $66.4 million
- Texas: $65.4 million
- Bengal: $61.4 million
- Bears: $49.1 million
- Black: $48.1 million
- Cardinals: $44.6 million
- Pirates: $43.6 million
- Raiders: $43.4 million
- Rams: $35.3 million
- Panthers: $31 million
- Falcons: $29.9 million
- Vikings: $28.9 million
- Giants: $26.8 million
- Chiefs: $22.6 million
- Eagles: $20.9 million
- Jaguar: $17.2 million
- Aircraft: $7.6 million
- 49ers: $570,000
- Packing: $350,000
- Ravens: -$827,000
- Seahawks: -$1.6 million
- Steelers: -$4.3 million
- Cowboys: -$14.3 million
- Brown: -$20.6 million
- Broncos: -$25.7 million
- Chargers: -$44 million
- Dolphins: -$51.2 million
- Billings: -$52.8 million
- Saints: -$82.8 million
Washington leaders
With all due respect, the Chiefs probably need that money more than any other team, so it's a good thing Washington heads into the offseason leading the league in cap space. New head coach Dan Quinn and new general manager Adam Peters will be able to address a lot of problems.
The Chiefs also have the second overall pick, which will likely be used on a quarterback.
Of course, Washington's biggest needs lie on the defensive side of the ball. The leaders will need to use their cap space to sign players at all three levels of defence. It would also be a good idea to bolster the offensive line to help protect the rookie quarterback. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, there isn't much need for a new wide receiver. But adding depth at this position might not be a bad idea with so much cap space.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are another team with a new head coach and a significant amount of money to spend this offseason. Tennessee also has a top-10 pick and plenty of capital on Day 3, giving the Giants a way to address some of their needs outside of free agency.
The question is whether the Giants will give Will Levis a chance in 2024 or use some of their cap flexibility on a veteran quarterback.
Outside of the quarterback position, the Giants have six defensive players hitting free agency, creating plenty of holes to fill. The same can be said for the offensive line, as Tennessee will need to sign multiple players this offseason. Last but not least, Derrick Henry leaves a big hole to fill at running back, which is another position the Giants may need to address in free agency rather than the draft.
New England Patriots
In a growing trend, the Patriots also have a new head coach and cap space. It also seems likely that they will trade Mac Jones and use the third overall pick on a new quarterback. Otherwise, some of New England's cap space would go to signing a veteran quarterback because there's no way they can hold onto Jones.
Fortunately for the Pats, New England's defense will remain largely in good shape next season with the exception of a few holes in the secondary. But with their offensive tackles starting and most of their tight ends hitting free agency, these positions will be a priority for the Patriots. Likewise, adding more talent to the recipient could be a good way to spend that money.
Indianapolis Colts
Despite missing the playoffs by the smallest of margins last season, the Colts are in an enviable position. They at least believe they have the quarterback of the future in Anthony Richardson. Indy also returns two Pro Bowlers on the offensive line, running back Jonathan Taylor, and most of the team's front seven, including Pro Bowl running back Zaire Franklin.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman is clearly the team's biggest potential free agent loss. The Colts will need to either re-sign him or bring in another reliable wide receiver, perhaps both.
There is also room for improvement in the secondary and a need for additional depth along the defensive line. Last but not least, the Colts will need to spend some money this offseason on a reliable backup quarterback. Richardson will still be an injury risk, so they need someone like Gardner Minshew who is ready to fill the void if necessary.
Houston Texas
It's a bit unfair that the Texans won a playoff game last season and also ranked very high in cap space heading into the offseason. Houston has a future quarterback still on his rookie contract and one of the best young coaches in the league.
Additionally, all of Houston's main receivers and offensive linemen are under contract, so there is a lot of stability to the offense.
On the other hand, all three levels of defense will need reinforcements via free agency or the draft. On the bright side, what defensive player wouldn't want to come play for DeMeco Ryans right now? Don't forget that the Texans have young defensive stars like Will Anderson and Derek Stingley, so the cupboard is far from empty.
The Texans will also need to make sure they free up some money for a tight end and some depth even though Houston's offense is in excellent shape.
