The NFL announced their $224.8 million salary cap number for the 2023 season this week, which is sure to have implications for the Los Angeles Chargers as well as the league’s other 32 teams.
Los Angeles is currently overextended relative to the cap and will need to make some tough decisions in the offseason to get under the salary threshold heading into the new season. Though they don’t necessarily need to part ways with the top talent on their roster, the Chargers’ fiscal mobility relative to player contracts is severely restricted at this juncture.
Check out every team’s projected cap space below to see just how deep the hole general manager Tom Telesco will have to dig out of:
1. Chicago Bears
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Minnesota Vikings won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $98.6 million
2. Atlanta Falcons
Oct 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) looks for an open receiver against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $56.4 million
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) walks off the field at the conclusion of Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $44.5 million
4. New York Giants
New York Giants wide receiver Keelan Doss (5) during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $44.4 million
5. New England Patriots
New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) celebrates with teammates after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $38.1 million
6. Houston Texans
Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $37.1 million
7. Seattle Seahawks
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a catch in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $31.3 million
8. Baltimore Ravens
Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Latavius Murray (28) runs for a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $28.8 million
9. Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Isaiah Pola-Mao #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders react in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $18.4 million
10. Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (50) defends against Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $15.9 million
11. San Francisco 49ers
Nov 28, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) celebrates with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $13.7 million
12. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) eludes Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Peace (40) in the first half during a preseason game on Aug. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz.Los Angeles Chargers Vs Arizona Cardinals 2019
Estimated 2023 cap space: $13.5 million
13. Denver Broncos
Jan 8, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $12 million
14. Kansas City Chiefs
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 20: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs embraces after the game at SoFi Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $12 million
15. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles (9) is brought down by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II (94) on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Estimated 2023 cap space: $11.9 million
16. Washington Commanders
Dec 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver DeAndre Carter (1) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $6.8 million
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 22, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Hightower (82) reacts after his 59 yard reception against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $4.8 million
18. New York Jets
Dec 19, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins nose tackle Adam Butler (70) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-2.9 million
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jan 3, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) celebrates a sack of Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-3.6 million
20. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore watches pregame drills during a preseason NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-7.6 million
21. Carolina Panthers
Sep 19, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Morgan Fox (91) and defensive end DaQuan Jones (90) react after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-9.6 million
22. Miami Dolphins
Dec 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) shake hands after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-12.8 million
23. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was welcomed with cheers during Saturday’s training camp, the first day of practice that was open to fans.
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-14.3 million
24. Los Angeles Rams
Jan 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Sony Michel (25) escapes from Arizona Cardinals long snapper Beau Brinkley (43) during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona RepublicNfc Wild Card Playoff Cardinals Vs Rams
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-15 million
25. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before their game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, October 21, 2019 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINELPackers21 1 Hoffman
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-17.6 million
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Jun 1, 2021; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco (right) shakes hands with corneback Chris Harris Jr. (25) during organized team activities at Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-19.8 million
27. Buffalo Bills
Bills quarterbacks coach Joe Brady, left, goes over plays with Josh Allen during day six of the Buffalo Bills training camp at St John Fisher University in Rochester Saturday, July 30, 2022.Sd 073022 Bills Camp 21 Spts
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-20.5 million
28. Minnesota Vikings
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 14: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball past Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-21 million
29. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers] at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw53448
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-23.7 million
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Riley Patterson (10) jumps into the arms of long snapper Ross Matiscik (46) after he kicked the game winning field goal against the Chargers. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Los Angeles Chargers in their first round playoff game Saturday, January 14, 2023 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars trailed 27 to 7 at the half but came back to win the game 31 to 30. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 011423 Bs Jaguars Vs C 12Estimated 2023 cap space: $-32.3 million
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct 4, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis (43) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of a NFL game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-55.7 million
32. New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Michael Bandy (83) runs from New Orleans Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell (45) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Estimated 2023 cap space: $-57.4 million
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