The NFL has officially set the salary cap for the 2026 season at $301.2 million, marking a $22 million increase from last year's cap of $279.2 million. This adjustment is a welcome confirmation for teams across the league, particularly for the Cincinnati Bengals, who now find themselves with $52.7 million in cap space.
With this financial flexibility, the Bengals have some intriguing options ahead. While they could potentially free up more space through strategic cuts or restructuring the contracts of key players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the current cap space provides a substantial foundation for their free agency plans. Given their relatively low number of internal free agents, Cincinnati is well-positioned to make impactful additions to their roster.
The Bengals have clear needs at safety, linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. While it might be a stretch to fill all these positions with top-tier starters, the robust free agent market for safeties, linebackers, and defensive ends aligns perfectly with their priorities. This presents a golden opportunity for the Bengals to bolster their defense and make significant strides in preparation for the 2026 season.
Moreover, as the salary cap continues to rise, the Bengals' investments in players like Chase, Burrow, and Tee Higgins appear increasingly savvy. Locking in extensions sooner rather than later could prove beneficial, as contract values are only set to climb in tandem with the cap. For the Bengals, the time is ripe to capitalize on their cap space and strengthen their roster for the challenges ahead.