The NFL has been an ever-evolving sport. In its over 100+ years of existence, the game has continued to grow bigger and is the unquestioned largest sport in the country today. Simultaneously alongside that growing popularity has come a surge on the financial side of things.
Every year, the NFL salary cap constantly increases. However, this year saw a bigger jump than usual, with the number reaching $279.2 million for every franchise in the league. Immediately, fans were ready to fire off their comments, with excitement and a good dose of hilarity mixed in.
Fans in High Spirits for Record Salary Cap
With the exception of COVID-19 affecting proceedings from 2020 to 2021, the NFL has seen a unilateral increase in its salary cap for the last 30 years. But this year’s number still stands out, as the seventh year over year increased by 9.32%.
However, from a raw-numbers perspective, the jump is even more impressive, as the $23.8 million increment is the third-highest margin in that timeframe. With that increase, fans will be looking at their teams to make the best use of those resources, as the $279.2 million number is the highest in NFL history.
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million per club, per sources. Another record high. pic.twitter.com/9vm0TvzklU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2025
However, even with the excitement of a larger-than-usual salary cap, it didn’t stop X from divulging into hilarity. For some, the simple causation of that rise in number was the involvement of Taylor Swift.
Thanks to her budding relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swift is a regular attendee at games, drawing an extra section of the audience that might not have been as familiar with the sport.
That attention hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans either, who claimed, “The Taylor Swift effect has been real.”
The Taylor Swift effect has been real.
— John “Draft” Vogel (@DraftVogel) February 27, 2025
Others directly thanked the pop star for her contributions to the game and for making it an even more competitive field in the offseason.
“Thank you Taylor swift.”
Thank you Taylor swift
— 😔🔫 (0-0) (@RvndomUsername) February 27, 2025
For those who want to draw a direct parallel. In the last two years (since Swift has become associated with the NFL), the salary cap increment has been two of the three highest in raw value, including last year’s transition, which was the largest in league history.
But, with the continual growth, fans see where this train is heading.
“That’s up $23.8 million from last year’s cap. They are getting closer and closer to it eventually being $300 million.”
That’s up $23.8 million from last year’s cap.
They are getting closer and closer to it eventually being $300 million— J (@Luckydragon84) February 27, 2025
The New Orleans Saints, who ever since the final years of Drew Brees have made it a priority to postpone their cap hit for the next season, are seeing that cap hit number mounting up every year. And fans brought out the jokes with the record-high salary cap, claiming, “Saints still in the negative.”
Saints still in the negative
— Xan Devious | 6’0 🇲🇽/🇺🇸 (@XanDv_TTV) February 27, 2025
With a $23.8 million number being a significant boost — equivalent to a good or great player’s entire yearly salary — it could change the outlook for several teams heading into the offseason. Yet, for the league as a whole, it continues to be a reminder of its ever-growing popularity.
“The NFL is rolling in dough! 23.8M increase is massive.”
The NFL is rolling in dough! 23.8M increase is massive
— Rhaenyra (@Rhaenyra729) February 27, 2025
But for others, the relation was a direct 1-to-1. Seemingly every year, it seems like an NFL quarterback is signed to the largest contract in sports history.
It started with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, and then extended to Trevor Lawrence, before Dak Prescott took the mantle last season.
And, for some fans, this increase is also going to lead to the same result.
“Every time it goes up the QBs just get paid more.”
Every time it goes up the QBs just get paid more
— TheBearded Maine-iac (@TheBeardedMaine) February 27, 2025
While it certainly has its flaws, an increased salary cap makes an already exciting offseason all the more unpredictable. Now, it remains to be seen how it causes teams to change their strategy over the summer.