The NFL's 2026 salary cap has been unveiled, and it's turning heads with a hefty increase. We're looking at a new cap of $301.2 million, up $22 million from last year. This bump gives teams more room to maneuver, and the New York Jets are in an intriguing position.
Spotrac has crunched the numbers, and the Jets are sitting on a projected $77 million in cap space. That places them fourth in the league, trailing only the Titans, Raiders, and Chargers. Here's how it breaks down:
- Tennessee Titans: $92.6M
- Las Vegas Raiders: $87.9M
- Los Angeles Chargers: $87.1M
- New York Jets: $77.0M
- Washington Commanders: $69.8M
With this financial flexibility, the Jets have several paths they can explore. One option is releasing quarterback Justin Fields with a post-June 1 designation, freeing up $10 million but pushing $9 million in dead money to 2027.
Another move could involve parting ways with veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, which would clear $7.5 million without any dead money. Alternatively, they might negotiate a pay cut with Phillips, leveraging their ability to release him.
However, the Jets' cap space might shrink before free agency kicks into high gear. The franchise tag for running backs is set at $14.3 million, and tagging Breece Hall would take a significant chunk out of their budget. The transition tag offers a slightly cheaper option at $11.3 million, but either choice will impact their financial landscape.
General Manager Darren Mougey hinted at the likelihood of tagging Hall if a long-term deal isn't reached. Even with the franchise tag in play, the Jets would still boast $62.7 million in cap space, ranking them sixth in the league.
As the franchise and transition tag deadline approaches on March 4, and with the legal tampering window opening on March 9, the Jets are poised for some strategic decision-making. Their moves in the coming weeks could set the tone for their 2026 season.