This is great news for the San Francisco 49ers, who are negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. It's also a win for Purdy's agent, knowing the team might have more financial flexibility than initially anticipated.
"We expect to conclude negotiations over the 2025 Player Cost and Salary Cap amount next week but can provide a projected Salary Cap range of $277.5 - $281.5 million per Club that can be used in your planning leading into the Combine," the NFL told teams in a memo. "Keep in mind that this range is subject to change based on further negotiations with the NFL Players Association."
The 49ers operated under a $255.4 million cap in 2024. According to OverTheCap.com, calculating under an estimated $279.5 million cap number, the team currently projects to have about $50.7 million in cap space—before factoring in Purdy's upcoming deal.
Beyond Purdy's contract, the 49ers face some key roster decisions. Several key contributors are set to hit free agency, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, which has its own salary-cap implications. If San Francisco trades him before June 1, they'll absorb a significant dead-money hit. A post-June 1 release, however, would be the more cost-effective option.
The 49ers could still restructure several existing contracts to create additional flexibility as they navigate a crucial offseason and look to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season.
Below is a 10-year breakdown of the NFL salary cap. The only decrease during this span occurred from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2015: $143.28 million
- 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
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Baldy reveals the key to 49ers success vs. Eagles in Wild Card matchup
The San Francisco 49ers face a daunting challenge in the Wild Card round, traveling to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. It's a matchup that many around the league—including NFL analyst Brian Baldinger—believe is far from ideal for Kyle... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals expectations for Brock Purdy in Week 18 showdown vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers have a lot at stake in Saturday night's regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. The winner will claim the NFC West title and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, which includes home-field advantage throughout the... -
John Lynch reveals what 49ers saw from Kurtis Rourke during practice window
The San Francisco 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Kurtis Rourke on December 8. That window closes Monday, and it is unlikely the 49ers will activate the rookie from the non-football injury (NFI) list this season. That expectation isn't new. The team... -
NFL insider says 49ers QB Brock Purdy's shoulder stinger "not expected to keep him out next week"
The San Francisco 49ers looked bad in their bid for the number-one seed in the NFC Saturday night, falling 13-3 to the Seattle Seahawks. But things almost got much worse when QB Brock Purdy went down late in the game. It looked bad, and there was immediate concern about whether...