Cap Hit
Definition and explanation for NFLPA exam preparation
Definition
The total amount a player counts against the salary cap in a given year, including base salary, prorated bonuses, and likely-to-be-earned incentives.
Exam Tip
Understanding Cap Hit is essential for the NFLPA certification exam. This concept frequently appears in questions about financial and is often tested alongside related terms like Salary Cap and Base Salary.
Related Terms
Salary Cap
The maximum amount of money NFL teams can spend on player salaries in a given league year. Set annually based on league revenue.
Signing Bonus
An upfront payment to a player that is prorated over the life of the contract (up to 5 years) for salary cap purposes.
Base Salary
The fixed amount a player earns during the season, paid weekly during the regular season. Counts fully against the cap.