Free NFL Analytics Platform — A Directory of Our Hubs
StickToTheModel is a free NFL analytics platform organized around a few core hubs. Each hub is the home for a specific category of NFL coverage — pick the one that matches what you're looking for. No signup required.
Our Hubs
Mock Draft Simulator — The simulator hub. 7-round NFL mock drafts with trades, AI opponents, and instant grades.
NFL GM Simulator — The GM mode hub. Manage salary cap, cuts, trades, franchise tags, and the draft for any team.
2026 Draft Prospect Hub — Big board, scouting reports, combine measurables, and team visit tracker.
Free Pro access for NFL content creators. YouTubers, podcasters, newsletter writers, and bloggers can partner with StickToTheModel to use our NFL analytics tools, draft coverage, and salary cap data in their content. Trusted by Yahoo Sports, Yardbarker, and EssentiallySports.
Our platform offers data-driven NFL analysis with tools for draft preparation, fantasy football, and player research. All core features are free with daily updates during the NFL season.
The platform serves fantasy football players, NFL Draft enthusiasts, dynasty league managers, sports bettors, content creators, and casual fans exploring NFL statistics.
Cap Space: NFL Definition
Cap space is the difference between the salary cap and a team's total committed cap charges. It represents how much room a team has to sign or acquire players.
Full Explanation
Cap space is arguably the most important number in NFL roster management. It tells you how much financial flexibility a team has to add players through free agency, trades, or extensions. Cap space is calculated by subtracting a team's total cap commitments (the sum of all player cap hits) from the salary cap ceiling. If the cap is $255.4 million and a team has $230 million in committed cap charges, they have $25.4 million in cap space.
Cap space fluctuates constantly throughout the offseason and season as teams sign, cut, trade, and restructure players. During the offseason, only the top 51 contracts count toward the cap (the Top 51 Rule), giving teams some extra breathing room. Once the regular season begins, all players on the 53-man roster plus injured reserve count. Teams can also carry over unused cap space from one year to the next, which has become an increasingly popular strategy.
Having significant cap space is not inherently good or bad. The Jacksonville Jaguars had the most cap space entering 2024 free agency but overpaid for several players who underperformed. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have consistently operated with minimal cap space while winning multiple Super Bowls by strategically restructuring Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones. The key is not how much space you have, but how wisely you use it.
Category: Salary Cap. Part of the StickToTheModel NFL Encyclopedia.