Overview
- The league told clubs it projects a 2026 cap between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
- The projection is up from $279.2 million in 2025, giving teams at least about $22 million more in spending room.
- Updated estimates show wide variance by team, with the Titans near $100 million in space and clubs like the Chiefs, Saints, Vikings and Cowboys projected over the cap.
- Analysts link the surge to booming media rights, the 17th game, expanded playoffs and gambling partnerships, pushing the cap nearly $100 million above 2022.
- The official number will be finalized before the new league year, shaping franchise-tag values, restructures and a potentially more active free-agent market.