Overview
- The league told teams the 2026 cap is projected between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per club, the first time it would surpass $300 million.
- The range represents roughly a $22 million to $26.5 million jump from 2025’s $279.2 million and is nearly $100 million higher than 2022.
- After the 2021 pandemic dip, the steady rise has been attributed to richer media deals, a 17th regular-season game, expanded playoffs and gambling partnerships.
- Spotrac’s updated estimates show the Titans near $100 million in space with the Raiders, Jets, Chargers and Seahawks also well positioned, while the Chiefs, Saints, Vikings and Cowboys face tighter constraints.
- Teams are recalibrating plans for restructures, cuts and extensions as the official cap will be finalized before the March 11 new league year, with clubs like the Giants, Jaguars and Bills gaining some relief but still managing overages.