As the confetti settles from Super Bowl LX, the NFL's attention shifts to one of the most pivotal stretches of the offseason: free agency. This is the window where teams can hit the reset button, plug key roster holes, or, in some cases, swing for the fences with big-money signings. But as we've seen time and again, cap space is the fuel that powers those moves-and not every team is working with the same financial firepower.
With the 2026 NFL Draft shaping up to be lighter on top-end Round 1 talent, especially at premium positions, this year’s free agency period could carry even more weight. Teams that have the cap flexibility to be aggressive might look to make their biggest roster upgrades before the draft even kicks off.
Let’s take a closer look at the five teams entering this offseason with the most cap space, according to Over The Cap, and what that financial flexibility could mean for their 2026 outlook.
5. Washington Commanders - $76.04 million
The Commanders are coming off a rough 2025 campaign, one marred by injuries and instability at the most important position on the field. Jayden Daniels, the young quarterback Washington is hoping to build around, just couldn’t stay on the field. And when your starter is in and out of the lineup, it’s tough to find any kind of rhythm-let alone stack wins.
But here’s the silver lining: Washington enters the offseason with over $76 million in cap space. That kind of financial breathing room gives them a real chance to reset the roster.
There’s no sugarcoating it-the Commanders need help on both sides of the ball. The 2025 season exposed some serious depth issues and perhaps revealed that this roster wasn’t as close to contending as many believed.
Now, with a healthy Daniels (hopefully), a top-tier draft pick, and the ability to be a major player in free agency, Washington has the tools to start building something more sustainable. The question is whether they’ll take a calculated approach or try to fast-track the rebuild with splashy signings. Either way, they’re a team to watch.
4. New York Jets - $83.26 million
The Jets have money-lots of it. Over $83 million in cap space, to be exact. That kind of financial muscle can go a long way in shaping a roster, especially for a team that’s clearly in flux.
The biggest storyline hanging over this franchise isn’t just about the roster-it’s the coaching situation. Aaron Glenn’s first year at the helm was rocky, to say the least.
The Jets struggled to find consistency, and the head coach’s seat is already feeling warm. Whether or not Glenn remains in charge, the front office now has the resources to reshape the team in a major way.
New York’s cap situation gives them options. They can chase top-tier talent, fill multiple starting spots, or even absorb contracts in trades if the right opportunity presents itself.
For a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for too long, this offseason could be a turning point. But as we’ve seen before, cap space is only as valuable as the decisions made with it.
The Jets have the money-they just need to spend it wisely.
Stay tuned as we break down the top three teams with the most cap space heading into free agency. With the 2026 draft class not offering the usual star power up top, free agency could be where this offseason’s biggest moves are made.