5 biggest cap hits on the Saints roster for the 2025 NFL season

The New Orleans Saints have long been recognized for their strategic approach to managing the NFL salary cap, often employing creative contract structures to assemble a competitive roster. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, understanding the team’s financial commitments provides insight into their roster-building strategies and potential challenges. This article delves into the five players with the largest cap hits on the Saints’ roster for the 2025 season, examining the implications of these financial commitments on the team’s overall strategy.

1. Derek Carr – Quarterback

Derek Carr, the Saints’ starting quarterback, carries a cap hit of $20.46 million for the 2025 season. This figure represents approximately 7.33% of the team’s total salary cap. Carr’s contract includes a base salary of $1.255 million, a signing bonus proration of $5.7 million, and a significant restructure proration of $13.507 million. Notably, Carr’s contract restructuring earlier this year converted a substantial portion of his salary into a signing bonus, providing the Saints with much-needed cap relief. As Carr enters his second season with the Saints, his performance will be pivotal in justifying this financial commitment, especially considering his injury-shortened 2024 campaign.

2. Cameron Jordan – Defensive End

Veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan is set to account for a $20.06 million cap hit in 2025, equating to 7.19% of the team’s salary cap. Jordan’s contract details include a base salary of $12.5 million and a restructure proration of $7.561 million. At 36 years old, Jordan remains a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense. However, his substantial cap hit, coupled with his age, raises questions about the team’s long-term plans and the possibility of contract renegotiations or restructuring to manage cap space more effectively.

3. Taysom Hill – Tight End

Taysom Hill, known for his versatility on the field, has a cap hit of $17.99 million for the 2025 season, representing 6.44% of the Saints’ salary cap. His contract comprises a base salary of $10 million, a signing bonus proration of $2.225 million, and a restructure proration of $5.761 million. Hill’s unique role as a tight end, quarterback, and special teams contributor makes him a valuable asset. Nonetheless, the financial implications of his contract necessitate consistent high-level performance to validate the investment.

4. Demario Davis – Inside Linebacker

Linebacker Demario Davis carries a cap hit of $12.48 million in 2025, accounting for 4.47% of the team’s salary cap. His contract includes a base salary of $6.25 million, a signing bonus proration of $2.9 million, a roster bonus of $1 million, and a restructure proration of $1.167 million. Earlier this year, the Saints restructured Davis’s contract to gain additional cap space, a move indicative of their ongoing efforts to manage financial flexibility. At 36, Davis’s leadership and on-field performance remain integral to the Saints’ defensive unit.

5. Ryan Ramczyk – Right Tackle

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk has a cap hit of $12.34 million for the 2025 season, representing 4.42% of the salary cap. His contract details feature a base salary of $1.255 million, a signing bonus proration of $1.058 million, and a restructure proration of $10.025 million. As a key component of the offensive line, Ramczyk’s health and performance are critical to the team’s offensive success. The structure of his contract reflects the Saints’ commitment to maintaining a robust offensive line to protect their investment in the quarterback position.

Implications of Top Cap Hits on Team Strategy

The concentration of significant cap hits among these five players underscores the Saints’ strategy of investing heavily in key positions. However, this approach also presents challenges, particularly in maintaining depth across the roster and addressing other positional needs within the constraints of the salary cap. The team’s recent contract restructurings, including those of Derek Carr and Demario Davis, highlight efforts to create immediate cap space while potentially deferring financial obligations to future years. This tactic, while effective in the short term, may impact the team’s financial flexibility in subsequent seasons.

Salary Cap Context and Management

The NFL announced a significant increase in the 2025 salary cap, projected to be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, an uptick of approximately $22.1 million to $26.1 million from the previous year. This increase provides the Saints with additional flexibility to manage their cap commitments. Nonetheless, the team entered the offseason facing a potential $47 million deficit, necessitating strategic financial maneuvers to comply with cap regulations. The Saints’ history of restructuring contracts and utilizing void years is indicative of their proactive approach to cap management. While these methods offer immediate relief, they also pose risks by potentially escalating future cap hits and dead money. Balancing present competitiveness with future financial health remains a delicate endeavor for the organization’s front office.

Future Considerations and Potential Adjustments

Looking ahead, the Saints may need to make further adjustments to their roster and financial commitments to maintain competitiveness and cap compliance. Potential strategies include renegotiating contracts, extending key players to spread cap hits over additional years, or making difficult decisions regarding veteran players with substantial cap figures. The performance and health of high-cap players like Derek Carr, Cameron Jordan, and Taysom Hill will significantly influence these decisions. Additionally, the development of younger, less expensive talent through the draft and undrafted free agents will be crucial in providing depth and mitigating the financial impact of high-cost contracts.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Saints’ top five cap hits for the 2025 season reflect a strategic emphasis on investing in pivotal positions and veteran leadership. While this approach has facilitated the assembly of a talented roster, it also