When it comes to building a contender in today’s NFL, cap space is the currency of hope. But as we’ve seen, having money to spend doesn’t automatically translate to wins.
It’s all about how you use it. Just look at the 2025 season: the New England Patriots turned a mountain of cap space into a full-blown revival behind rookie sensation and MVP candidate Drake Maye.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants also splashed the cash-over $200 million worth-but stumbled to a 4-13 finish, undone by shaky coaching, poor roster fits, and a brutal run of injuries.
So as we head into the 2026 offseason, with free agency set to kick off on March 9 during the league’s legal tampering period, teams are once again staring at the same question: What now?
Cap space is just the beginning. The real challenge is turning that flexibility into smart, sustainable roster moves. With bidding wars looming and top-tier talent hitting the market, teams need not just a Plan A-but Plans B, C, and D to navigate the chaos.
Let’s break down where each team stands heading into free agency, ranked by estimated cap space as of February 12, courtesy of Over the Cap. These figures will shift in the coming weeks as teams make cuts, restructure deals, and get creative to make room. But for now, here’s the early financial landscape across the league:
Top 5 Teams with Room to Make Noise
1. Tennessee Titans - $104.8M
The Titans are sitting atop the cap space leaderboard, and they’ve got plenty of holes to fill. With a new coaching staff in place and a young quarterback in need of support, expect Tennessee to be aggressive-especially in upgrading the offensive line and adding weapons on the outside.
2. Las Vegas Raiders - $91.5M
After a turbulent 2025, the Raiders have the funds to reshape their roster in a big way. Whether they go after a veteran quarterback or double down on building around their defense, they have the flexibility to be major players.
3. Los Angeles Chargers - $83.5M
The Chargers have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and a clean cap sheet. That’s a dangerous combo.
With a new coaching regime in town, this could be a pivotal offseason to retool the roster around Herbert’s prime years.
4. New York Jets - $83.3M
The Jets have cap space, but they also have a ticking clock. With Aaron Rodgers returning, the window to win is now.
Expect them to chase high-impact veterans who can help immediately, especially along the offensive line and at wide receiver.
5. Washington Commanders - $76M
Armed with a top draft pick and a war chest of cap space, the Commanders are entering a new era. Whether they go all-in on a rookie quarterback or build around a bridge option, they have the flexibility to shape the roster however they see fit.
Middle of the Pack: Room to Maneuver
6. Seattle Seahawks - $72.3M
With a solid core in place, the Seahawks can use their cap space to strengthen the trenches and add depth across the board. Don’t expect a spending spree, but they’re in a strong position to make targeted upgrades.
7. Cincinnati Bengals - $54.5M
Joe Burrow’s extension is looming, but the Bengals have a window here to bolster their roster before the cap tightens. Protecting Burrow and keeping weapons around him should be the priority.
8. Los Angeles Rams - $48.2M
After years of cap gymnastics, the Rams finally have breathing room. With MatthewStafford still under center and a promising young core emerging, this offseason could be about reloading rather than rebuilding.
Expect them to target the secondary and offensive line, areas that showed cracks in 2025.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers - $44.9M
Mike Tomlin’s squad is always competitive, but they need more firepower to get over the hump. With nearly $45 million in space, Pittsburgh can pursue upgrades at quarterback-if they choose to-and patch holes on both lines.
10. San Francisco 49ers - $43M
The Niners have been perennial contenders, but keeping the band together isn’t cheap. With a handful of key contracts coming due, this cap space gives them the flexibility to retain core pieces while addressing depth concerns.
11. New England Patriots - $42.7M
Last offseason’s big spend paid off in a major way. Now, with Drake Maye looking like the real deal, the Patriots can fine-tune the roster rather than overhaul it.
Think strategic signings to support their young QB and bolster the defense.
12. Arizona Cardinals - $42.2M
Arizona’s rebuild is in full swing, and this kind of cap space gives them the tools to accelerate the process. With Kyler Murray back healthy and a strong draft class incoming, the Cardinals are a sneaky team to watch.
13. Indianapolis Colts - $35.6M
Anthony Richardson showed flashes before injury derailed his rookie year. With decent cap flexibility, Indy can focus on protecting their quarterback and adding playmakers to help him grow.
14. Denver Broncos - $28.9M
The Broncos are still trying to find their footing in the post-Russell Wilson era. This isn’t a war chest, but it’s enough to make meaningful additions-especially on defense and the offensive line.
15. Atlanta Falcons - $26.5M
Quarterback remains the big question in Atlanta. With a new coaching staff in place and a solid defense already on the roster, the Falcons could be a quarterback away from contention-and they’ve got the space to go get one.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $23.8M
Baker Mayfield played well enough to earn another shot, and the Bucs have the cap room to support him. Look for them to prioritize the trenches and potentially extend some of their young stars.
17. Baltimore Ravens - $22M
Baltimore is always smart with their cap, and this year should be no different. With Lamar Jackson locked in, the Ravens can focus on keeping his supporting cast strong and shoring up the defense.
18. Philadelphia Eagles - $20.6M
The Eagles stumbled late in 2025, but this roster is still built to win. With a bit of cap space and a front office that knows how to work the margins, expect some savvy moves rather than splashy ones.
Cap-Strapped but Not Hopeless
19. Carolina Panthers - $14.4M
Bryce Young’s development is the top priority, and while the Panthers don’t have a ton of room, they’ve got enough to add a reliable veteran or two. Offensive line help should be at the top of the list.
20. New York Giants - $6.9M
After last year’s spending spree flopped, the Giants are in a tough spot. Limited flexibility and lingering roster issues mean they’ll need to get creative-and hope for better health in 2026.
21. Cleveland Browns - $3.2M
The Browns are tight against the cap and don’t have many easy outs. Expect restructures and backloaded deals if they want to stay competitive in a tough division.
In the Red: Restructure Season Incoming
22. Green Bay Packers - -$1.4M
Not a huge deficit, but enough to require some maneuvering. With Jordan Love showing promise, the Packers will likely prioritize keeping his supporting cast intact.
23. Houston Texans - -$1.5M
C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract gives Houston some breathing room, but they’ll need to clear space to keep building around him.
A few veteran cuts or restructures should do the trick.
24. Chicago Bears - -$5.3M
With the No. 1 pick in hand and a potential quarterback reset on the horizon, the Bears are in a fascinating spot. They’ll need to clean up the books to execute whatever plan they settle on.
25. New Orleans Saints - -$6M
The Saints are no strangers to cap gymnastics. Expect more of the same-void years, restructures, and creative accounting to stay competitive.
26. Buffalo Bills - -$7.4M
Buffalo’s window remains open, but the cap is starting to bite. They’ll need to make some tough decisions to stay in the AFC elite.
27. Detroit Lions - -$8.5M
Coming off a deep playoff run, the Lions face the challenge of paying their young stars. Cap space is tight, but smart planning can keep the momentum going.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars - -$11.4M
After a disappointing 2025, the Jags are in cap trouble and need to reset. Expect some roster churn as they try to retool around Trevor Lawrence.
29. Miami Dolphins - -$16.4M
Miami has gone all-in the last few years, and the bill is coming due. They’ll need to trim the fat and make some hard calls to stay competitive.
30. Dallas Cowboys - -$29.2M
The Cowboys are in a bind. With big contracts on the books and several stars due for extensions, they’ll need to get creative-and fast.
31. Minnesota Vikings - -$40.2M
Minnesota is facing a full-blown cap crunch. Whether they tear it down or try to ride it out, something has to give.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - -$54.9M
Yes, the reigning champs are dead last in cap space. But if anyone knows how to navigate the cap while staying elite, it’s Kansas City.
Expect restructures, savvy signings, and the usual magic from the front office.
Final Word
Cap space isn’t everything-but it’s a powerful tool. The teams that combine financial flexibility with smart planning and a clear vision will be the ones making headlines come March.
Whether it’s a full rebuild, a final push for a title, or something in between, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory. Let the chess match begin.