The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has been buzzing with activity at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, drawing all 32 teams, including the New York Jets, as they evaluate potential draft picks. But before the Jets, under the guidance of General Manager Darren Mougey, can dive into draft selections or free agency, they need to ensure they're under the salary cap.
With the new league year kicking off on March 11, teams must align with the 2026 salary cap, projected at $303.45 million. Let’s take a closer look at the current salary cap standings for each NFL team, from those in the red to those with the most room to maneuver.
Starting at the bottom, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves with a significant deficit, sitting at a whopping $42,103,590 over the cap. Close behind are the New Orleans Saints, facing a similar challenge with a $41,774,364 shortfall. The Dallas Cowboys aren't far off, grappling with a $26,775,723 deficit.
As we move up the list, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears also need to make some financial adjustments, with cap spaces of $-14,120,728 and $-9,503,349, respectively. The Detroit Lions and Houston Texans are in a similar boat, needing to address their $-9,151,960 and $-8,407,142 gaps.
The Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs are slightly better off but still in the red, with $-6,530,898 and $-6,348,869 to make up. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers have slightly less ground to cover, with deficits of $-5,892,073 and $-4,344,831.
The Miami Dolphins round out the teams in the negative, with $-3,808,376 to address before the deadline. On the flip side, the Philadelphia Eagles are just above the line, boasting a modest $2,655,936 in cap space.
The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers are in a more comfortable position, with $7,773,627 and $9,875,093 available, respectively. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have some room to play with, sitting at $10,911,296 and $13,479,885.
The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers are in even better shape, with cap spaces of $22,573,001 and $25,033,708. The Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts follow, boasting $27,983,090, $32,813,790, and $34,902,488, respectively.
The New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers are in a strong position, with $37,435,699, $44,390,412, and $44,768,173 in cap space. The Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders are even better off, with $52,280,496, $63,241,971, and $67,800,355, respectively.
Now, let's talk about the top contenders in cap space. The New York Jets are sitting pretty with $76,992,485, giving them plenty of flexibility. The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are in excellent shape, with $87,090,325 and $87,913,212, respectively.
Leading the pack are the Tennessee Titans, boasting a league-high $92,596,059 in cap space. With this financial freedom, they have the opportunity to make significant moves as the new league year approaches.
As teams strategize and adjust, the coming weeks promise to be a whirlwind of activity, with each franchise looking to optimize their rosters and set the stage for a successful 2026 season.