The 2026 NFL offseason is shaping up to be one of the most explosive in recent memory - and no, that’s not just offseason hype. With the league projecting a salary cap between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per team, we’re looking at a jump of over $20 million from last season’s $279.2 million threshold. That’s not just a raise - that’s a financial jolt that could reshape rosters across the league.
To put it in perspective, this cap surge injects nearly $100 million more in total league-wide spending power compared to just four years ago. And with that kind of money floating around, expect front offices to get bold - maybe even reckless.
Extensions, trades, splashy signings - it’s all on the table. Several teams are already in prime position to capitalize, and a few could completely reinvent themselves by the time we hit training camp.
Teams Ready to Spend
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are armed with cap space and a fresh start - new coaching staff, possible new quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, and a roster that needs reinforcements across the board. One name to keep an eye on: Tyler Linderbaum.
The offensive lineman is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents on the market, and for good reason. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a need - he elevates a unit.
Linderbaum’s balance, foot speed, and ability to displace defenders in the run game make him a rare blend of athleticism and technique. Add in his top-tier pass protection, and he’d be a foundational piece in front of a young QB like Mendoza.
Washington Commanders
Dan Quinn is now calling the shots in D.C., and if there’s one thing we know about Quinn, it’s that he builds around pass rush. Enter Trey Hendrickson.
Despite battling injuries in 2025, the Bengals edge rusher still posted a 90.0 pass-rush grade, marking his fifth straight season at an elite level. That kind of consistency doesn’t come cheap - but with Washington sitting on a healthy cap cushion, this could be the splash move that sets the tone for Quinn’s tenure.
Hendrickson would bring immediate juice off the edge and help solidify a defense that’s been searching for an identity.
Buffalo Bills
For the Bills, it’s all about giving Josh Allen more help. Buffalo’s offense has leaned heavily on Allen’s arm and legs for years, but it’s time to surround him with more reliable weapons.
George Pickens is a name that’s generating plenty of buzz - and it’s easy to see why. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and bring an edge to the receiver room.
If the Bills want to maximize Allen’s prime, adding a vertical threat like Pickens could be the missing piece.
Market Movers to Watch
This year’s free agent class is deep in offensive firepower - particularly at running back. Names like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, and Travis Etienne Jr. headline a group that could shift the ground game landscape for multiple teams. All three bring versatility and explosiveness, and in today’s league where dual-threat backs are gold, expect bidding wars.
Quarterback Malik Willis is another intriguing name. He’s showing signs of starter potential, and in a league where quarterback play is everything, that upside will be tempting to QB-needy teams.
On defense, linebackers Quay Walker and Devin Lloyd could command serious money. Both are athletic, instinctive, and capable of anchoring the middle of a defense. With more teams leaning into hybrid schemes and needing linebackers who can cover, blitz, and tackle in space, these two will be hot commodities.
The Clock Is Ticking
The 2026 league year officially kicks off on March 11, but the action starts early. Legal tampering - when teams can begin negotiating with agents of unrestricted free agents - begins March 9. That 48-hour window often sets the tone for the entire offseason, with deals being finalized moments after the league year opens.
This cap boom isn’t just about money - it’s about opportunity. For some teams, it’s a chance to reload and chase a title.
For others, it’s a lifeline - a way to reset and rebuild. Either way, the stakes are high, the wallets are open, and the fireworks are coming.
Buckle up. Free agency just got a lot more interesting.