Which NFL teams have the most trade flexibility? Cap situations for all 32, plus what could come next

NFL Nation reporters

Oct 24, 2024, 06:55 AM ET

With the 2024 NFL trade deadline less than two weeks away (Nov. 5), teams are revamping their rosters as they push for the playoffs. The Jets traded for Davante Adams on Oct. 15, just hours before the Bills brought in Amari Cooper from the Browns. The Chiefs landed their own wide receiver Wednesday, trading for DeAndre Hopkins of the Titans.

But more deals are coming. Which teams have the salary cap space right now to make big splashes? Who is in a good spot to add more draft capital or make a season-altering deal? And which teams might be sitting the deadline out to save cap space, looking ahead to extending their biggest stars next year?

We called on our NFL Nation reporters to assess all 32 teams’ available cap space and draft capital. Though not every team will make a move, this is meant to size up each roster’s trade flexibility. Teams are listed below by current available cap space, from most to least. And all projected cap space numbers for 2024 and 2025 are from Roster Management System, as of Oct. 23.

Jump to:

ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN

CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND

JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN

NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF

SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

1. San Francisco 49ersCap space: $55.2 million

The 49ers have the flexibility to pursue anyone they want. The only caveat is that much of their cap space is earmarked to roll over into next season, when they will almost certainly sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a massive contract extension.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see them use some draft capital to try to improve on the defensive line, the offensive line or the linebacker positions, if there’s help to be found. It’s just unlikely that any high-priced additions they make are viewed as more than a short-term rental. — Nick Wagoner

2. Cleveland BrownsCap space: $48.2 million

Cleveland has plenty of cap space after converting $44.8 million of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s $46 million base salary into a signing bonus before the season. It also no longer owes any more draft picks from the Watson trade, so there’s more than enough draft capital to swing a trade. However, the Browns are expected to roll over most of their cap space to the 2025 season, and they might prefer to keep their picks to replenish an aging roster that has underperformed. — Daniel Oyefusi

3. Las Vegas RaidersCap space: $39.4 million

Trading wide receiver Davante Adams and not picking up any of the remaining salary for this season helped the Raiders out before the deadline. But if they’re again in a rebuild, don’t expect them to be very active in terms of acquiring more contributors. The opposite would be true.

General manager Tom Telesco has roughly $81 million in cap space for 2025, which currently would be the fifth most in the league. They’re again in search of a franchise quarterback, as Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell (now injured with a broken thumb) have struggled this season. — Paul Gutierrez

4. New England PatriotsCap space: $38.6 million

As the early-season trade of outside linebacker Matthew Judon to the Falcons for a 2025 third-round pick reflected, there is motivation to acquire significant draft capital as part of what the team’s front office views as a multiyear rebuild. Given the Patriots’ 1-6 record, it would be a long shot to see them give up a high pick for a player, unless it was a situation similar to the Bears’ acquiring pass rusher Montez Sweat for a second-round pick last season. (Chicago signed Sweat to a long-term deal.)

The Pats also could consider acquiring a player with a less-than-desirable contract if it meant they’d also receive an early-round pick. The Browns did that in 2017 by picking up quarterback Brock Osweiler, taking on his contract and receiving a second-round pick from the Texans in the swap. — Mike Reiss

5. Detroit LionsCap space: $36.5 million

The Lions have plenty of cap space, but ever since general manager Brad Holmes arrived in 2021, he has taken the approach of drafting great prospects, developing them and rewarding them with extensions. They’ve agreed to extensions for three members of the 2021 class in wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, as well as for veterans running back David Montgomery and quarterback Jared Goff.

However, after Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson’s surgery to repair his fractured left tibia and fibula, the team could use its draft capital to trade for a veteran to help fill his role. — Eric Woodyard

6. Washington CommandersCap space: $26.7 million

The Commanders’ goal has always been to build a sustainable long-term winner, and they’re well-positioned to do so. They are in good shape with the sixth-most cap space this season and the second-most space for 2025 ($94.7 million). They also have nine draft picks, including four in the first three rounds.

It would be hard to see the Commanders making a move unless it’s also smart for the long term or for a very low immediate cost (they have multiple seventh-round picks). They’re already a threat to win the NFC East. — John Keim

7. Arizona CardinalsCap space: $26.0 million

The Cardinals have more than enough cap space to play with right now, if general manager Monti Ossenfort so desires. After being hired in 2023, he has spent the past two offseasons stripping down and slowly rebuilding the roster. Safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner are up for extensions this coming offseason. But Arizona has needs at cornerback and pass rusher that could be addressed immediately through a trade. The team certainly has the money to make it work. — Josh Weinfuss

8. Dallas CowboysCap space: $22.7 million

Looks can be deceiving when it comes to cap space. The Cowboys have plenty of it — until you remember they need more than $20 million for the impending dead money on the contracts of guard Zack Martin, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and wide receiver Brandin Cooks once their deals are voided in 2025 (and if they’re not re-signed).

Dallas will restructure the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb by March to create more space. But the front office has been clear in its approach: The Cowboys will not play at the high end of the free agency market. As a result, keeping their top draft picks is even more of a must with how they want to build their roster. — Todd Archer

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9. Green Bay PackersCap space: $16.0 million

There’s not a must-sign player on their roster who is headed for free agency next year, so the Packers could absorb a contract if they were to bring in a player via trade. They’re also in a good spot with dead money on next year’s cap. They have nearly $50 million in dead money on this season’s cap and would have only $8.4 million in dead money in 2025. However, that could increase if they move on from any veteran players under contract, such as defensive end Preston Smith with his high-priced contract. — Rob Demovsky

10. New York JetsCap space: $15.7 million

They have enough cap space to pick up another veteran, even after the addition of Davante Adams and the return of edge rusher Haason Reddick. But the sense is they’re done with blockbusters.

The Jets own a pick in every round of the 2025 draft, so there’s no shortage of draft capital to make a minor trade to improve their depth at safety or tight end. There just comes a point where you have to say enough is enough. — Rich Cimini

11. Jacksonville JaguarsCap space: $15.3 million

The Jaguars likely won’t add talent at the trade deadline after their poor start, but don’t expect them to deal away all of their stars, either. There’s still a talented nucleus, and the team spent nearly $500 million in the offseason to sign quarterback Trevor Lawrence, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen and corner Tyson Campbell. So, Jacksonville is not in a blow-it-up-and-start-over situation, whether general manager Trent Baalke and coach Doug Pederson are back in 2025 or not.

Pederson did say last week he didn’t anticipate trading anyone else after the team moved defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris to Seattle, but the Jaguars certainly would listen to any team that calls. — Michael DiRocco

12. Tennessee TitansCap space: $14.9 million

The Titans have space to trade for a quality player, if they choose to do so. But the DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones IV deals indicate Ran Carthon & Co. are looking to build through the draft by acquiring more picks.

The team is caught in a predicament after its offseason spending spree — including the signings of playmakers Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard — has failed to translate into wins. The 1-5 start has caused the Titans to pivot their focus to laying the foundation for the future. — Turron Davenport

13. Indianapolis ColtsCap space: $14.0 million

The Colts have just enough space to accommodate a midlevel salary in a trade, if necessary. In a move that was unusual for the franchise, it reworked some contracts late in the offseason to free up more cap space and provide greater flexibility.

But Indianapolis doesn’t have any recent history of acquiring notable players at the trade deadline, and the organization is a big believer in rolling over unused cap space to the following year. It plans to do so again if the money goes unspent. — Stephen Holder

14. Minnesota VikingsCap space: $14.0 million

The Vikings took on $62 million of dead money on their 2024 cap, including $28.5 million for quarterback Kirk Cousins (now in Atlanta) and $14.9 million for linebacker Danielle Hunter (now in Houston). But that will give them a dramatic boost in 2025 and future years as they (presumably) move forward with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will still have up to four more years remaining on his rookie contract.

They have enough space this season to make a modest deal, however, especially with the certainty of far more room next season. — Kevin Seifert

15. Seattle SeahawksCap space: $12.9 million

John Schneider is one of the NFL’s more active general managers when it comes to the trade market, and he has enough 2025 draft capital to make something happen, as Seattle has a pick in every round. But it will have to balance its current needs — like an upgrade at guard — with what might be a cap space crunch next offseason. The Seahawks already made a move to improve the linebacker group, swapping Jerome Baker and an extra fourth-rounder for Ernest Jones IV.

Several starters will be in line for big-money extensions, including quarterback Geno Smith, wide receiver DK Metcalf, left tackle Charles Cross, outside linebacker Boye Mafe, cornerback Riq Woolen and running back Kenneth Walker III. For that reason, any addition Seattle makes via trade will probably have to be an inexpensive one. — Brady Henderson

16. Pittsburgh SteelersCap space: $12.6 million

The Steelers have the wiggle room to acquire moderately priced talent — perhaps a wide receiver on the final year of his contract — at the trade deadline. But don’t expect the typically stingy franchise to land a high-priced veteran with extensions for linebacker T.J. Watt and potentially a quarterback on the horizon after this season.

The Steelers haven’t mortgaged their future, meaning they have draft capital to work with in any potential trade package. They also gained a couple of extra late-round picks by dealing away guards Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green. — Brooke Pryor

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17. Los Angeles ChargersCap space: $11.5 million

General manager Joe Hortiz navigated one the NFL’s worst cap space situations when he took the job, making the team cap compliant by parting with star wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and restructuring the contracts of outside linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. But the Chargers’ limited space this season isn’t a sign that the team won’t be active at the trade deadline, especially considering it is depleted at cornerback due to injuries. The Chargers are projected to have close to $90 million in cap space next season, the fourth most in the NFL, and will likely extend left tackle Rashawn Slater. — Kris Rhim

18. Philadelphia EaglesCap space: $14.9 million

Several of the team’s star players will see significant jumps in their cap numbers in 2025, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will go from $13.6 million to $21.8 million.

With $76 million currently committed to four players alone (Hurts, A.J. Brown, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson), Philadelphia isn’t in a position where it can spend too liberally in the short term to midterm and therefore probably won’t add too hefty a contract at the deadline. That said, general manager Howie Roseman is one of the most active trade makers in the NFL. He has seven draft picks in 2025 to work with, including three fifth-rounders. — Tim McManus

19. Cincinnati BengalsCap space: $10.5 million

Cincinnati’s cap space seems like a decent amount to use to add a mid-level impact player, but keep in mind this team doesn’t like to make a roster move to free up cap dollars. There’s also the value in rolling over any unused cap into next year, especially with a potential extension for receiver Ja’Marr Chase looming over the franchise.

The Bengals rarely make in-season trades unless there’s a disgruntled player. That happened in 2020, when defensive end Carlos Dunlap was moved to the Seahawks after he was unhappy with his role. — Ben Baby

20. Tampa Bay BuccaneersCap space: $9.1 million

The Bucs now have some choices to make for the next couple of years. Wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is in the final year of his contract, will miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated ankle. They also expect to be without fellow wideout Mike Evans for the next three games due to a hamstring injury.

Could they theoretically trade for a new wide receiver? It’s feasible, considering how little the Chiefs gave up for DeAndre Hopkins. But this is what Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles had to say: “We think Mike is coming back, but we really like our young guys. There are guys out there, but for what we would have to give up to get them, in the long run, it’s probably not worth it.” — Jenna Laine

21. Carolina PanthersCap space: $8.9 million

The Panthers are gearing up for a big season in 2025, with more than $45 million in estimated cap space and most of their key players under contract, including defensive end Derrick Brown and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. They also appear to be in the running for a top-three pick of the draft, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index projections.

So, the combination of a high draft pick and money to spend next year remains the path for future success, just as it was before this season began. — David Newton

22. Miami DolphinsCap space: $8.6 million

Miami has enough to make a quality veteran addition later in the season, if necessary. Don’t expect any major moves, however, for any player who would require a long-term contract upon completion of the trade — à la Bradley Chubb in 2022.

The Dolphins are projected to have about $4 million in cap space in 2025, with only 38 players under contract (quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s extension is set to kick in). There will likely be a series of cuts and restructures this coming offseason in order to preserve the team’s financial flexibility. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

23. Houston TexansCap space: $8.3 million

Even though the Texans are dealing with injuries — specifically to their linebacker unit, as Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and Christian Harris (calf) have missed time — don’t expect any big moves. There has been buzz about them potentially adding a safety, but they like their room and a rising rookie in Calen Bullock, who has three interceptions on the season. They definitely have the space to make a move, but their roster is pretty set. — DJ Bien-Aime

24. Denver BroncosCap space: $7.9 million

The Broncos saddled themselves with their current salary cap woes after releasing quarterback Russell Wilson earlier this year and taking a $85 million dead money hit over two seasons. They’ve also tweaked virtually every big contract they have among their current players, save for left tackle Garett Bolles, to create space.

Denver is more likely to trade away players than add talent. The $76.4 million worth of dead money this year is a league high, and over $25 million worth of its cap space has been used by players on injured reserve. To add any significant contract would require the Broncos to dig an even bigger future hole, as they have about $32 million in dead money already for 2025. The Broncos need more draft picks and would listen to any and all proposals for help there. — Jeff Legwold

25. Chicago BearsCap space: $7.7 million

General manager Ryan Poles was very active at the past two trade deadlines to address needs with wide receiver Chase Claypool in 2022 and defensive end Montez Sweat in 2023. But there’s no obvious void to fill right now. Chicago’s focus in the offseason has to be upgrading the offensive line, though it has been pleased by recent improvements up front and will return tackle Larry Borom (ankle) and guard Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) soon from IR.

While there might also be a couple of intriguing pass rushers to keep tabs on, the Bears would have to figure out how two expensive defensive end contracts fit into their long-term cap planning. The team made Sweat their highest-paid player in November. — Courtney Cronin

26. New York GiantsCap space: $7.1 million

The Giants have limited ability to make any significant moves near the trade deadline. The cap space is barely enough to get them through the season to fill holes that inevitably will occur because of injuries. And it’s doubtful the Giants would want to trade draft capital. They are likely to be in the quarterback market in next year’s draft, and they need to stockpile as many picks as possible in order to increase their options and flexibility. — Jordan Raanan

27. Baltimore RavensCap space: $5.0 million

The Ravens have been aggressive around the deadline with general manager Eric DeCosta, but they would need a team to pick up a player’s salary to facilitate a deal. DeCosta has acknowledged the cap was going to be a challenge after signing Lamar Jackson, whose $32.4 million cap hit ranks sixth among quarterbacks.

DeCosta has shown he is willing to give up draft picks to address a need. In previous years, Baltimore has traded for middle linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marcus Peters and pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Last season, it tried to acquire running back Derrick Henry, eventually getting him in free agency. — Jamison Hensley

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28. Atlanta FalconsCap space: $4.7 million

The Falcons did their shopping early this year, acquiring a pair of former Pro Bowlers in late August. They traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Patriots for edge rusher Matthew Judon and signed safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $7.5 million contract.

General manager Terry Fontenot had to get several Atlanta players to restructure their existing contracts to make those deals happen. But he has been aggressive, and the team is in win-now mode. So, it wouldn’t be a shock to see it fill a need at the deadline, including adding more depth at pass rusher or wide receiver. — Marc Raimondi

29. New Orleans SaintsCap space: $4.3 million

The Saints don’t have the money to make any more major moves unless they open up space. They could restructure running back Alvin Kamara’s contract, which is the only major contract they haven’t touched this year.

New Orleans would likely only do that if it truly thought it has a chance at a season-altering player, as any addition will hurt the 2025 salary cap. It already has significant cap issues to address next year, with five players having cap hits of at least $20 million. (Quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 cap hit alone is $51.4 million.) That likely points to a quiet trade deadline. — Katherine Terrell

30. Kansas City ChiefsCap space: $3.8 million

The Chiefs don’t have much flexibility to make a trade from a cap standpoint after acquiring DeAndre Hopkins. They have some wiggle room but can’t afford to take on any big contracts. They have two players with the highest cap hits at their positions (tight end Travis Kelce and guard Joe Thuney) as well as three others in the top five (quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tackle Jawaan Taylor and safety Justin Reid).

They also are unlikely to give away any more draft picks after giving up a conditional fourth-round pick for Hopkins. They’ve been careful not to gamble on any one season in the window they have with Mahomes. — Adam Teicher

31. Buffalo BillsCap space: $3.5 million

The Bills used some of the very limited space they have to add Amari Cooper, who is accounting for roughly $800,000 of their cap. Any remaining moves would require a similar cap fit and creativity for them after they took on significant dead cap this season by moving on from wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

While the situation is tight, general manager Brandon Beane has made it clear that he — as always — will be looking for ways to improve the team’s roster. Awaiting Buffalo next year is a much more open cap situation. — Alaina Getzenberg

32. Los Angeles RamsCap space: $2.0 million

The Rams have little salary cap space because they have three players accounting for at least $23 million each, and that includes $23.8 million in dead money for the retired Aaron Donald. They do have several contracts they could restructure to free up space and make a move at the deadline, but that would be surprising given their losing record. Los Angeles also used its upcoming second-round pick to trade up for defensive lineman Braden Fiske in April. — Sarah Barshop