NFL Boosts 2025 Salary Cap to $277.5-$281.5 Million, Aiding Dolphins

The NFL announced that the 2025 salary cap will increase to between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, a rise from the previous year's cap of $255.4 million, providing significant relief for teams like the Miami Dolphins who were previously over the cap. The Dolphins were projected to be around $12 million over the cap before releasing three veterans, but the updated cap figures now show them with approximately $1.6 million in available space, although they remain $6.7 million over when accounting for rookie contracts. Despite this improvement, the Dolphins still face challenges and will need to engage in contract restructures and potential trades to fully address their roster needs. The team currently has only 46 players under contract for 2025, leaving them in a precarious position as they aim to fill their roster and enhance their competitiveness. General manager Chris Grier must navigate these financial constraints creatively to ensure compliance by the league year start in March. Overall, while the salary cap increase is beneficial, it does not eliminate the Dolphins' need for strategic financial planning.