NFL cap rises for 2016 season

The NFL salary cap has been increased by 12 per cent for the 2016 season with the teams now allowed to spend $US155 million on their playing rosters.

The NFL salary cap has been increased by 12 per cent to $US155 million for the 2016 season. (AAP)

The NFL's salary cap for 2016 will rise to $US155 million ($A218 million), an increase of nearly $US12 million ($A16.84 million).

The NFL Players Association confirmed the figure on Sunday, and will release the franchise and transition tag numbers on Monday.

Free agency begins March 9, but teams must apply those tags by Tuesday.

Since the 10-year labour agreement was reached in 2011, the cap has risen more than $US35 million ($A49 million) per team.