Cap Space Countdown: 2026 NFL Money Moves
The National Football League has set the salary cap for its 2026 season at a record $301.2 million, up $22 million from the previous year. This marks another jump in a series of increases that began over $200 million in 2022, rising to $224.8 million in 2023 and $255.4 million in 2024.
Teams with the Most Cap Space
| Rank | Team | Cap Space |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | $94.9 million |
| 2 | Las Vegas Raiders | $89.2 million |
| 3 | New York Jets | $88.8 million |
| 4 | Los Angeles Chargers | $85.6 million |
| 5 | Washington Commanders | $71.3 million |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks | $59.6 million |
The Titans’ large cushion may prompt their front office to act, especially as they look to protect quarterback Cam Ward and give new head coach Robert Saleh a solid start.
Seattle Seahawks: Post‑Super Bowl Decisions
The Seahawks, fresh off a Super Bowl win and a 17–3 record, also have ample space but must decide whether to re‑sign key players like Jaxon Smith‑Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, who are eligible for extensions after their third seasons.
Other Teams’ Cap Situations
- Colts & Broncos – just over $30 million
- Patriots – around $40 million
- Cowboys & Vikings – negative cap space, indicating deep financial challenges that could limit roster moves
Free‑Agency Timeline
- March 9 – Legal tampering period begins
- March 11, 4 p.m. ET – Free agency opens officially
This window will be critical for teams to shape their rosters under the new cap constraints.
