Holds
When a team's books carry fewer than 12 players (counting cap holds), the league adds a placeholder minimum salary for each empty spot up to 12. The charge reflects that those seats must eventually be filled by someone earning at least the minimum.
It counts against the cap only, never the tax or aprons, and it shrinks as real signings fill out the roster.
See it live: pick any team and tap the numbers on its cap sheet.