BREAKING DOWN THE NFL SALARY CAP WITH CHARLEY ARMEY

In this week’s episode of On the Horn with Gary Emineth, Gary welcomes former NFL executive Charley Armey for an in-depth conversation about one of football’s most complex topics—the NFL salary cap. Armey explains how the salary cap was born out of negotiations between the NFL Players Association and team owners, designed to balance competition and control spending. He outlines the constant challenges general managers face when building a winning team within tight financial limits, including how “dead money” and “salary cap within a cap” scenarios can complicate roster management.
Charley also reveals how strategic contract structuring can make or break a franchise, sharing a remarkable story about quarterback Kurt Warner—whose humble salary allowed the St. Louis Rams to retain key players during their legendary Super Bowl run. Gary and Charley wrap up by discussing the vital relationship between head coaches and general managers, emphasizing how teamwork off the field is just as important as performance on it.