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.
Dead Money: NFL Definition
Dead money is the cap charge a team must absorb for a player who is no longer on the roster. It typically consists of unamortized signing bonus and guaranteed salary still owed.
Full Explanation
Dead money is one of the most misunderstood concepts in NFL finance, yet it drives some of the most consequential roster decisions every offseason. When a team cuts or trades a player, any remaining prorated signing bonus that hasn't yet been charged against the cap accelerates into the current year. This accelerated charge is called dead money. Guaranteed salary that has already been paid but not yet counted against the cap can also contribute to dead money.
The impact of dead money can be enormous. When the Cleveland Browns traded for Deshaun Watson and gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, they took on massive financial risk. If Watson were to be released, the remaining guaranteed money would create one of the largest dead money charges in NFL history. Similarly, when the Saints released or restructured several players after the 2023 season, they carried over $80 million in dead money, severely limiting their ability to compete in free agency.
Dead money is not always bad. Strategic cuts of overpaid veterans can free up more cap space than the dead money costs. If a player has a $20 million cap hit but only $5 million in dead money, cutting him saves $15 million in cap space. Teams also use the June 1 designation to split dead money across two years, softening the immediate blow. Understanding the dead money implications is critical before making any roster move.
Category: Salary Cap. Part of the StickToTheModel NFL Encyclopedia.