The largest 2023 cap hits in the NFL on offense

The NFL’s salary cap once again ballooned by more than $10M, rising from its $208.2M perch to $224.8M. Factoring in the pandemic-induced 2021 regression, the NFL’s salary risen has climbed by more than $42M since 2021.

This has allowed teams more opportunities for roster additions and opened the door for more lucrative player deals — at most positions, at least. However, it does not look like this season will include a $40M player cap number. The Browns avoided a record-shattering Deshaun Watson $54.9M hit by restructuring the quarterback’s fully guaranteed contract, calling for monster figures from 2024-26.

Here are the largest cap hits for teams on the offensive side going into training camp:

1. Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs): $39.69M
2. Ryan Tannehill, QB (Titans): $36.6M
3. Jared Goff, QB (Lions): $30.98M
4. Jake Matthews, T (Falcons): $28.36M
5. Trent Williams, T (49ers): $27.18M
6. Dak Prescott, QB (Cowboys): $26.83M
7. Laremy Tunsil, T (Texans): $26.61M
8. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (49ers): $23.8M
9. Amari Cooper, WR (Browns): $23.78M
10. Mike Evans, WR (Buccaneers): $23.69M
11. Ronnie Stanley, T (Ravens): $23.67M
12. Joe Thuney, G (Chiefs): $22.12M
13. Russell Wilson, QB (Broncos): $22M
14. Lamar Jackson, QB (Ravens): $22M
15. Daniel Jones, QB (Giants): $21.75M
16. David Bakhtiari, T (Packers): $21.29M
17. Kirk Cousins, QB (Vikings): $20.25M
18. D.J. Moore, WR (Bears): $20.17M
19. Matthew Stafford, QB (Rams): $20M
20. Brian O’Neill, T (Vikings): $19.66M
21. Taylor Decker, T (Lions): $19.35M
22. Deshaun Watson, QB (Browns): $19.1M
23. Braden Smith, T (Colts): $19M
24. Josh Allen, QB (Bills): $18.64M
25. Courtland Sutton, WR (Broncos): $18.27M

As should be expected, quarterbacks dominate this list. Mahomes’ number checks in here despite the Chiefs restructuring his 10-year, $450M contract in March; the two-time MVP’s cap hit would have set an NFL record had Kansas City not reduced it. The Chiefs did not restructure Mahomes’ deal last year, but if they do not address it — perhaps via a complex reworking — before next season, Mahomes’ $46.93M number would break an NFL record.

The Titans have not touched Tannehill’s contract this offseason, one that included some trade rumors months ago. This is the final year of Tannehill’s Tennessee extension. Mahomes and Tannehill sat atop this ranking in 2022.

Cousins is also heading into a contract year after the Vikings opted for a restructure and not an extension this offseason. Cousins does not expect to discuss another Minnesota deal until 2024, when he is due for free agency. Two relatively low cap numbers have started Wilson’s $49M-per-year extension. The Denver QB’s cap number rises to $35.4M in 2024 and reaches historic heights ($55.4M) by ’25. The subject of a Goff extension has come up, and it would bring down the Lions passer’s figure. Currently Goff remains tied to his Rams-constructed $33.5M-per-year deal through 2024.

Jackson's and Jones’ numbers will rise in the near future, with the latter’s contract calling for a quick spike in 2024. Next year, the Giants QB’s cap hit will be $45M. Watson’s 2024 hit, as of now, would top that. The Browns signal-caller is on the team’s ’24 payroll at $63.98M. Long-term consequences aside, the Browns can be expected to once again go to the restructure well with Watson’s outlier contract. The Raiders did not backload Garoppolo’s three-year contract; it only climbs to $24.25M on Las Vegas’ 2024 cap sheet. The Bills did backload Allen’s pact. Its team-friendly years are done after 2023; the six-year accord spikes to $47.1M on Buffalo’s cap next year.

Were it not for another O-line-record extension, the Tunsil number would have come in at $35M this year. Matthews signed an extension last year. Moore would have come in higher on this list were he still on the Panthers, who took on $14.6M in dead money to move their top wideout for the No. 1 overall pick. Sutton came up regularly in trade rumors, with the Broncos wanting a second-round pick for the sixth-year veteran. The former second-rounder’s high base salary ($14M) hinders his trade value.