The NFL has officially informed teams of its projected 2026 salary cap range, and it’s a big one. According to the league, teams can expect a cap between $301.2 million and $305.7 million - a significant jump that opens the door for aggressive roster building. For the Denver Broncos, that’s welcome news as they head into a pivotal offseason with some financial breathing room they haven’t had in years.
Let’s start with the baseline: using Spotrac’s estimate of a $303.4 million cap, the Broncos are projected to have about $28 million in cap space to start. That figure ranks 13th in the league - not elite, but certainly in the top half, and more than enough to make some noise in free agency.
Even more encouraging? They’re carrying just $1.2 million in dead money, a drastic turnaround now that Russell Wilson’s massive contract is finally off the books.
That $28 million is just the beginning. The Broncos have flexibility to create significantly more room through veteran cuts, contract restructures, or simple conversions. They don’t need to swing a sledgehammer to the roster - a few smart, targeted moves could free up tens of millions more.
Now, who could be on the chopping block? Names like Matt Peart and Ben Powers come to mind.
Powers’ future might hinge on how the team feels about Alex Palczewski, who’s set to hit unrestricted free agency. If Palczewski walks, Powers likely stays.
But if the Broncos feel confident in their depth or find a cheaper option, Powers could become a cap casualty.
Tight end Evan Engram is another name to keep an eye on. Cutting him would come with a significant dead cap hit, but if the Broncos are looking to reallocate resources - especially if they’re eyeing upgrades elsewhere - it could be a move they consider.
Safety Brandon Jones could also be a candidate if the team decides to bring back P.J. Locke, who’s proven to be a reliable contributor in the secondary.
The key here is that Denver doesn’t need to panic or go scorched earth to create space. They’re in a healthy spot - a stark contrast to recent years when the cap was a constant constraint.
Under Sean Payton, the front office appears to be taking a more nuanced approach to cap management. It’s not just about clearing space - it’s about maximizing value and structuring deals in ways that give the team both flexibility and control.
This offseason represents a real opportunity for the Broncos to reshape the roster in Payton’s image. With cap room, a stable quarterback situation (finally), and a head coach who knows how to build a winner, Denver is positioned to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the 2026 league year approaches.
The money is there. Now it’s about how they choose to spend it.