Good news, everyone: multiple reports came out in recent days confirming that the 2022 NFL salary cap is expected to hit the $208.2 spending ceiling previously agreed to in light of fluctuating profits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league and the players union agreed on a salary cap floor for 2020 and 2021, as well as a ceiling for 2022. And things are on track to meet it before a series of new media rights contracts come into effect in 2023, prompting a real jump in the cap more in line with what we’re used to.
That’s going to carry serious implications for the upcoming offseason, particularly teams like the Saints. New Orleans is currently projected to start the spring over the cap by more than $61 million — more than any other team, but light work compared to the $101 million mountain the team had to descend this year. Still, some tough decisions are in store for navigating it. Here’s your road map for how the Saints can reach salary cap compliance (and then go further, to a point where they can start adding new players):