While cap space isn’t the end all be all to having success in the NFL, having money to work with and spend certainly helps a team’s NFL playoff odds and NFL odds overall.
Committing a large salary, which can include dead cap hits, to one player can limit spending at other positions, including wide receiver and tight end, which is why it’s so important to capitalize when having superstar players on rookie contracts.
The 2022 NFL league year will begin on March 16 and players under contract will have their salaries kick in – some higher than others.
When it comes to the quarterback position, obviously, some of the best players are the ones with the highest cap hits (all according to Spotrac).
Matt Ryan’s New Salary Cap Hit For 2022
Matt Ryan was set to have a $48.7 million cap hit for the 2022 season, which is the highest for any player in NFL history, but the Falcons adjusted that by restructuring his contract.
Ryan will now have a cap hit of $37.7 million for the upcoming season, which is the fourth-highest in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback will be 37 years old next season and he hasn’t won double-digit games since 2017.
Aaron Rodgers Contract for 2022
The 38-year-old announced on March 8 he will be back in Green Bay for the 2022 season, but his exact contract is still unclear at this point.
There were rumors the new deal will lower his cap hit and help the Packers with adding and retaining new players. As of now, Rodgers currently has a $46.7 million cap hit, but that will change once the new deal becomes official.
Other Big QB Cap Hits For 2022
The top five has changed significantly of late. It currently has Rodgers No. 1 ($46.7 million, Deshaun Watson No. 2 ($40.4 million), Ryan Tannehill No. 3 ($38.6 million), Ryan No. 4 ($36.7 million), and Patrick Mahomes No. 5 ($35.8 million).
Kirk Cousins was in the top five, but after he agreed to a one-year extension his 2022 cap hit went down to $31.4 million.
By way of comparison, Joe Burrow’s 2022 cap hit is $9.9 million, Justin Herbert’s $7.2 million, and Mac Jones $3.5 million.
