Report: NFL Salary Cap Could Reach $155 Million for 2016

Last week, we estimated that the Cleveland Browns could have $35.99 million in cap space, but that was under the assumption of a salary cap of $153.4 million. Now, Rand Getlin of the NFL Network is reporting that the salary cap is expected to jump to at least $155 million for 2016.

I'm told the NFL's salary cap is expected to jump to at least $155M this year. Nearly $12M more than last year's ($143.28M).

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) February 15, 2016

Adding a couple of dollars to the cap can help teams for certain situations, particularly if they need a million and some change to prevent one of their own free agents from leaving, or to help sign a free agent who can help get them to the playoffs. For a team like the Browns, it's really inconsequential in the short-term, since all 32 teams in the league reap the benefit. Nonetheless, until we see further updates on the projected salary cap, we will be going with $155 million in our revised projections.

NFL 2016 Salary Cap (Projected): $155.0 million
Browns' Rollover from 2015: $20.73 million
Browns' 2016 Adjusted Salary Cap: $155.0 million + $20.73 million = $175.73 million

Browns' Top 51 Cap Total: $137.45 million
Browns' Dead Money for 2016: $0.69 million
Browns' Total Cap Spent for 2016: $137.45 million + $0.69 million = $138.14 million

When you subtract the two subtotals above ($175.73 million - $138.14 million), you arrive at the Browns' available cap space: $37.59 million.