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 room to maneuver are the Tennessee Titans, who hold $94. 9 million in cap space, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders ($89. 2 million), New York Jets ($88. 8 million), Los Angeles Chargers ($85. 6 million), Washington Commanders ($71. 3 million) and 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.In contrast, 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 show varied needs: the Colts and Broncos have just over $30 million, while the Patriots sit around $40 million. Meanwhile, teams such as the Cowboys and Vikings face negative cap space, indicating deep financial challenges that could limit their roster moves. Free agency opens officially on March 11 at 4 p. m. ET, with the legal tampering period beginning two days earlier. This window will be critical for teams to shape their rosters under the new cap constraints.