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 The rise is larger than initial estimates and gives teams a
little extra breathing room under the cap, which is tied to
projected revenue from all of the NFL's commercial agreements for
the upcoming season and meets requirements under the Players'
Association's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The 2014 level represents the highest salary cap set by the league,
though that is expected to rise in 2015 when new television
contracts are factored into the equation.
The 2011 CBA gives players 55 percent of revenue from TV deals, 45
percent of revenue from league properties and 40 percent of local
revenue.
Individual teams are required to spend an average of 89 percent of
the salary cap from 2013-16, while teams across the league must
spend an average of 95 percent of the salary cap over the four-year
period.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers ($138.7m) and Dallas Cowboys ($150.9m) are
the only two teams projected to be above the salary cap and the
increased limit for the 2014 season will allow them greater
opportunity to hold onto players.
Teams have until March 11, the start of the league's 2014 year and
free agency, to cut or trade away players on their roster or
renegotiate contracts to ensure they meet the cap requirements.
Teams above the cap are fined by the league.
Players like New Orleans tight-end Jimmy Graham, who are franchise
tagged, will benefit from the increased level as their salaries are
tied to a percentage of the cap.
(Reporting by Ben Everill in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg
Stutchbury)
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