Denver Broncos general manager John Elway has admitted that it has been difficult for his side to adjust to the increase in salary cap.
The cap has risen by over $20m (£13.5m) in Elway's four years in charge of the Broncos, which he has conceded has provided problems for the club in assembling a roster due to the increased money that veteran players are receiving on the market.
"I think what we're really seeing this year is the idea of what the CBA was meant to be and that was get more cash into the veterans' hands," Elway told reporters. "Look at the wage scale and all that money is cycling through to the veterans.
"It's a little hard to get used to, but that's what the NFL is about now. Teams do that with more confidence, knowing what they're getting. You're seeing teams with more money now so they are able to put more money out there for veteran they know what they can do."
The Broncos have reached the playoffs in all four seasons that Elway has served as the club's general manager.