As the New England Patriots turn the page on a 14-3 season that ended just short of a Super Bowl title, all eyes shift toward the offseason - and more specifically, the salary cap. With the 2026 free agency period set to open on March 9, New England enters the winter with $41.01 million in cap space and 14 players headed for the open market. But before we dive into potential additions or subtractions, let’s take a closer look at the players already on the books - and the cap hits that could shape the Patriots’ roster construction heading into next season.
Here are the ten players currently slated to take up the most cap space for New England in 2026:
10. Drake Maye - $9.99 million
The Patriots’ young quarterback is still on his rookie deal, but even that carries weight. Maye’s $9.99 million cap hit accounts for 2.8% of the total cap - a manageable figure for a potential franchise QB. Drafted in 2024, he signed a four-year, $36.6 million contract, and while his number isn’t massive, it’s a reminder that even rookie-scale contracts can make a dent when the player is a top pick at a premium position.
9. Morgan Moses - $10.4 million
Veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses joined New England on a three-year, $24 million deal in 2025, bringing experience and stability to the edge of the line. At 34 years old, Moses carries a $10.4 million cap hit this season, with $11 million in guaranteed money baked into his deal. His cash-to-cap ratio sits at 0.72, meaning the Patriots are getting decent value from a player who’s likely viewed as a short-term stabilizer for the offensive front.
8. Hunter Henry - $11.75 million
Henry remains a reliable red zone target and locker room presence, and his contract reflects that. His 2026 base salary is $7.15 million, but incentives and bonuses push his cap number to $11.75 million.
That includes a $2.5 million prorated signing bonus, $1 million in per-game roster bonuses, a $750,000 performance bonus, and a $350,000 workout bonus. It’s a layered deal for a player who continues to be a key piece in New England’s offensive structure.
7. Robert Spillane - $12.32 million
Linebacker Robert Spillane is set to earn $8.3 million in guaranteed money this season, with the potential to tack on another $4.02 million through incentives. That brings his total cap hit to $12.32 million. Spillane has carved out a role as a dependable presence in the middle of the Patriots’ defense, and this deal reflects both his production and leadership value.
6. Harold Landry - $16.35 million
Landry is under contract through 2027, and his 2026 cap hit sits at $16.35 million. That includes $11 million in guaranteed money and up to $5.35 million in potential bonuses. Landry’s ability to get after the quarterback makes him one of the more valuable pieces on the defensive side of the ball, and his contract reflects that edge-rushing premium.
5. Christian Barmore - $17.1 million
Here’s where things get interesting. Barmore’s deal includes a trigger clause - if he’s still on the roster by the third day of the 2026 league year, his $2 million guaranteed salary balloons to $12 million.
That, combined with other bonuses, gives him a potential cap hit of $17.1 million. The Patriots clearly value Barmore’s disruptive presence up front, and this contract structure gives them some flexibility while still rewarding performance.
4. Carlton Davis III - $22 million
Davis signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and he’s one of four Patriots with a potential cap hit north of $20 million in 2026. A former Super Bowl champion, Davis brings high-end coverage skills to the secondary, and his $22 million figure reflects the premium placed on top-tier cornerbacks in today’s NFL. His presence helps anchor a defense that was among the league’s best down the stretch.
3. Michael Onwenu - $25 million
Onwenu is entering the final year of a three-year, $57 million contract, and his cap hit spikes to $25 million - a hefty 6.5% chunk of the Patriots’ total cap. But for a player who’s proven capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line at a high level, it’s a price New England appears willing to pay. Onwenu’s versatility and durability have made him one of the most valuable linemen in the league.
2. Stefon Diggs - $26.5 million
Diggs joined the Patriots in 2025 on a three-year, $63.5 million deal, and his 2026 cap hit of $26.5 million is the highest payout he’s eligible for during the life of that contract. The Maryland native brought veteran savvy and elite route-running to a young Patriots offense, and while the number is steep, it reflects both his production and the cost of proven playmakers at the wide receiver position.
1. Milton Williams - $28.4 million
Topping the list is defensive lineman Milton Williams, whose $28.4 million cap hit accounts for 8% of New England’s total cap. Williams was a standout during the Patriots’ playoff run, and his impact in the trenches earned him a significant payday. At just five years into his NFL career, Williams is hitting his prime - and the Patriots are paying accordingly for a player who can anchor their defensive front for years to come.
The Bottom Line
With $41.01 million in cap space and a number of key players already locked into big-money deals, the Patriots will need to be strategic this offseason. Several of these contracts reflect smart investments in core players - others offer flexibility depending on roster decisions in the coming weeks. Either way, the top of New England’s cap sheet tells the story of a team built to contend, with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership leading the charge into 2026.