How the NFL’s new massive projected salary cap increase affects the Ravens
The Ravens have a ballpark number on a potential salary cap after teams were notified on Wednesday the expected salary cap range for the 2025 season would be $277 million to $281 million per team, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
With an official announcement looming, here’s how the salary cap number will impact the Baltimore Ravens.
What is the salary cap
Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens executive vice president & general manager Eric DeCosta speaks at wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s (not pictured) introduction press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
The salary cap is the total amount of money a team can use to pay its players. It is calculated based on the league-wide revenue generated from TV deals, ticket sales, merchandise, etc.
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The NFL logo is seen on Jan. 31, 2023, on the field for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Syndication Arizona Republic
The salary cap has increased by over $53 million over the last two years. In 2024, it was $255.4 million for each team.
Ravens salary cap
Mar 2, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Before the news broke, The Ravens were projected to have just under $6 million in salary cap space by Over the Cap. Currently, Baltimore has $12,766,460, and they’ll need to make some moves to retain Ronnie Stanley and continue upgrading the roster.
Dead cap
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens have $8,691,146 in dead salary cap space, with Odell Beckham Jr. responsible for $8,301,000.
Final analysis
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 5: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Baltimore has decisions to make regarding Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and others. Marcus Williams will depart, and the team has to decide if Ronnie Stanley is worth a big-money extension or if it will be retooled via the draft. Marlon Humphrey turns 29 in July, and his $25 million cap charge for 2025 is among the highest on the team.
