Which NFL team has the most dead money? Franchises with biggest cap space problems in 2023

The NFL salary cap for the 2023 season has been increased to $224.8 million. It is an increase of $16.6 million, which is a 7.9% rise from the previous cap.

This gives some teams a bit more breathing room to retain certain players who are on expiring deals. It also allows teams to sign talent that could help them succeed in the upcoming season.

However, there are still some complications for teams that have a lot of dead money. The term 'dead money' describes money counted against a team’s salary cap, attributed to players who were prematurely traded or released from the roster relative to their contract.

As things stand, the Philadelphia Eagles owe the most dead money ahead of free agency at $46,488,912. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are second on the list of teams with the most dead money at $29,402,499.

Here are the five teams with the most dead money heading into the 2023 offseason:

1. Philadelphia Eagles — $46,488,912. Most dead money - DT Fletcher Cox ($15,359,292)
2. Las Vegas Raiders — $29,402,499. Most dead money - LB Cory Littleton ($9,986,000)
3. Carolina Panthers — $28,593,708. Most dead money - RB Christian McCaffrey ($18,352,250)
4. Chicago Bears — $22,468,812. Most dead money - DE Robert Quinn ($13,233,520)
5. San Francisco 49ers — $17,085,988. Most dead money - DE Dee Ford ($8,589,999)

The Eagles only have $811,714 effective cap space, according to overthecap.com. However, they are at least in the positive, as several NFL teams are in worse situations. The franchise in by far the worst position is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have an incredible -$59,726,825 effective cap space.

NFL team with the least dead money in 2023

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

Every NFL team has to be under the cap at the start of the new league season. The Kansas City Chiefs have the least amount of dead money among all 32 teams.

According to reports, the Chiefs have a mere $98,428 in dead money.

The reigning Super Bowl champions will be looking to strengthen their squad even further in the offseason. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Kansas City has a strong foundation to build a dynasty.