- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,939
- Reaction score
- 59
The NFL calendar barely slows down after the season ends. Once the final whistle of the year sounds, front offices move fast. In March, free agency opened the door to new starters. Draft prep starts right away. Teams do not just chase talent. They also chase cap flexibility. That is why every major move comes with a financial angle attached. A big signing can lift a roster now, but it can also leave a heavy bill later. The same goes for trades and contract restructures. A club can bring in help for a playoff push, but it often has to carry dead money when the deal ends.
That is the backdrop for this 2026 cap check-in, per Over The Top. The Titans sit on the most salary cap space at $63.2 million, while the Bears are at the bottom with just $243,078. That gap matters. It shapes how teams can attack free agency, trades, and the draft. It also explains why some clubs are carrying painful dead cap hits. Big contracts for veterans, injured players, or recently moved stars can leave money on the books even after the player is gone. That is the cost of being aggressive.
MORE: Highest-paid players at every position after NFL free agency
It is also why names like Kirk Cousins keep coming up in cap conversations. When teams bet big on proven players, the accounting does not always end when the roster spot does.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill leaves the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Miami is first by a huge margin. Its dead cap total is far ahead of everyone else.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
New Orleans is the only other team over $100 million. The gap from Miami is still massive.
Justin Fields runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Jets are close to the Saints. Yet the former remains stuck with a huge cap burden.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders kneels before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Cleveland has about $21M cap space, reduced after rookie allocations. They added depth pieces while managing heavy dead cap constraints.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett looks to throw downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Arizona rounds out the top five. That is a steep number for 2026.
Ohio State quarterback C J Stroud speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Houston is over $66 million in dead cap and has work to do. The cap space still is $15 million
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence greets Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen after the game of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville has about $5M-$6M cap space, limited by heavy dead money. They made minimal additions while focusing on preserving flexibility.
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Las Vegas had $83M-$100M cap space, among NFL’s highest entering free agency. They added Tyler Linderbaum and targeted offensive line upgrades.
Former Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Philadelphia is another team above $50 million. With about $35M cap space and $298M liabilities, the team stays flexible despite potential A.J. Brown dead cap concerns.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) walks off of the field after a game against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Buffalo has roughly $100,000 to $13M in cap space, among the NFL’s tightest budgets. They added DJ Moore and restructured deals.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur yells at quarterback Malik Willis after a fumble during the second quarter of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau. Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Images
Green Bay entered free agency tight on cap space, with heavy dead money. They stayed patient and added selective help.
Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas remains above $40 million in dead money. Dallas has roughly $15M–$22M in cap space after restructures, leaving limited room. They tagged George Pickens and signed Javonte Williams.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. enters the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Atlanta is next and still has a notable 2026 burden. Falcons holds about $14M–$16M cap space with heavy dead money from Kirk Cousins release.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye walks off the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
New England has about $33M–$35.3M cap space, giving them strong flexibility after freeing dead money. They added veteran, versatile talent.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy leaves the field following an NFC Divisional Round game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
San Francisco holds roughly $30.5 million in cap space, giving flexibility after Nick Bosa’s restructure. They already added Mike Evans.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Minnesota has roughly $5M-$9M in cap space after restructures. They added flexibility through pay cuts, post-June moves, and Hockenson’s restructure.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Detroit holds about $26 million in cap space after Jared Goff’s restructure. They added flexibility, but still need edge rusher.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Tennessee can celebrate its league-best cap space. Tennessee has $63M-$64M in cap space, leading the NFL comfortably overall. They added Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin-Myers, and Alontae Taylor.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Carolina has about $2.2 million in cap space after restructures. They added Jaelan Phillips and kept flexibility by moving veterans.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Washington started with over $87M cap space, still holding around $49M after moves. They added Amik Robertson, Odafe Oweh, and re-signed Marcus Mariota.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up while quarterback Tyson Bagent looks on before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Chicago has the least cap space in the league and still has almost $20 million in dead money.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks on during warmups before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Baltimore holds about $30M cap space after Lamar Jackson restructure. They added Trey Hendrickson, Chidobe Awuzie, and reinforced depth.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay has about $14M-$20M cap space after restructures. They created flexibility but avoided major additions while managing heavy dead cap.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New York has about $4M-$6.5M cap space after active moves. They added Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds, while managing limited flexibility.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold $27M cap space with low dead money, offering strong financial flexibility entering 2026. Key additions include Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, and Jaquan Brisker to strengthen roster depth.
Wildcats FFC quarterback Joe Burrow throws the ball during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Cincinnati stays just over $10 million. The Cincinnati Bengals aggressively upgraded their defense, signing Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook. They added Kyle Dugger and Ja’Sir Taylor, but lost Trey Hendrickson and Geno Stone.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Kansas City is below $10 million and closer to cleaner cap books.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon speaks with media during a press conference held at the Indianapolis Colts practice facility.
Indianapolis is just behind the Chiefs. They have re-signed QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The Rams keep their dead money under $9 million. They have Matthew Stafford the highest-earning quarterback till now.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert looks on before the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Chargers have one of the smaller dead cap numbers. Cap space is $48 million.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix reacts after winning an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos boosted their offense by trading for Jaylen Waddle. They mainly focused on continuity by re-signing most of their in-house free agents while adding depth across key positions.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold reacts during Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX parade. Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Seattle has the lowest dead cap hit in the NFL. But what they are the Super Bowl LX Champions.
The overall picture is clear. The Dolphins are carrying the biggest 2026 dead cap hit by far, while the Super Bowl LX winners are sitting at the other end of the scale. In between, the league shows the full cost of aggressive roster building. Teams with the most cap space can still move, but dead money can quickly limit how far they go.
Continue reading...
That is the backdrop for this 2026 cap check-in, per Over The Top. The Titans sit on the most salary cap space at $63.2 million, while the Bears are at the bottom with just $243,078. That gap matters. It shapes how teams can attack free agency, trades, and the draft. It also explains why some clubs are carrying painful dead cap hits. Big contracts for veterans, injured players, or recently moved stars can leave money on the books even after the player is gone. That is the cost of being aggressive.
MORE: Highest-paid players at every position after NFL free agency
It is also why names like Kirk Cousins keep coming up in cap conversations. When teams bet big on proven players, the accounting does not always end when the roster spot does.
Dead cap numbers for all 32 NFL teams
1. Miami Dolphins — $179,204,257
You must be registered for see images attach
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill leaves the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Miami is first by a huge margin. Its dead cap total is far ahead of everyone else.
2. New Orleans Saints — $112,108,154
You must be registered for see images attach
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
New Orleans is the only other team over $100 million. The gap from Miami is still massive.
3. New York Jets — $111,246,438
You must be registered for see images
Justin Fields runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Jets are close to the Saints. Yet the former remains stuck with a huge cap burden.
4. Cleveland Browns — $91,602,938
You must be registered for see images attach
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders kneels before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Cleveland has about $21M cap space, reduced after rookie allocations. They added depth pieces while managing heavy dead cap constraints.
5. Arizona Cardinals — $73,320,820
You must be registered for see images
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett looks to throw downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Arizona rounds out the top five. That is a steep number for 2026.
6. Houston Texans — $66,366,709
You must be registered for see images attach
Ohio State quarterback C J Stroud speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Houston is over $66 million in dead cap and has work to do. The cap space still is $15 million
7. Jacksonville Jaguars — $53,340,647
You must be registered for see images
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence greets Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen after the game of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville has about $5M-$6M cap space, limited by heavy dead money. They made minimal additions while focusing on preserving flexibility.
8. Las Vegas Raiders — $52,012,266
You must be registered for see images attach
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Las Vegas had $83M-$100M cap space, among NFL’s highest entering free agency. They added Tyler Linderbaum and targeted offensive line upgrades.
9. Philadelphia Eagles — $51,617,968
You must be registered for see images attach
Former Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Philadelphia is another team above $50 million. With about $35M cap space and $298M liabilities, the team stays flexible despite potential A.J. Brown dead cap concerns.
10. Buffalo Bills — $46,164,050
You must be registered for see images attach
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) walks off of the field after a game against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Buffalo has roughly $100,000 to $13M in cap space, among the NFL’s tightest budgets. They added DJ Moore and restructured deals.
11. Green Bay Packers — $43,199,303
You must be registered for see images attach
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur yells at quarterback Malik Willis after a fumble during the second quarter of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau. Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Images
Green Bay entered free agency tight on cap space, with heavy dead money. They stayed patient and added selective help.
12. Dallas Cowboys — $41,550,057
You must be registered for see images attach
Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas remains above $40 million in dead money. Dallas has roughly $15M–$22M in cap space after restructures, leaving limited room. They tagged George Pickens and signed Javonte Williams.
13. Atlanta Falcons — $38,844,465
You must be registered for see images attach
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. enters the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Atlanta is next and still has a notable 2026 burden. Falcons holds about $14M–$16M cap space with heavy dead money from Kirk Cousins release.
14. New England Patriots — $38,227,882
You must be registered for see images attach
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye walks off the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
New England has about $33M–$35.3M cap space, giving them strong flexibility after freeing dead money. They added veteran, versatile talent.
15. San Francisco 49ers — $36,247,741
You must be registered for see images
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy leaves the field following an NFC Divisional Round game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
San Francisco holds roughly $30.5 million in cap space, giving flexibility after Nick Bosa’s restructure. They already added Mike Evans.
16. Minnesota Vikings — $35,146,407
You must be registered for see images
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Minnesota has roughly $5M-$9M in cap space after restructures. They added flexibility through pay cuts, post-June moves, and Hockenson’s restructure.
17. Detroit Lions — $26,468,791
You must be registered for see images
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Detroit holds about $26 million in cap space after Jared Goff’s restructure. They added flexibility, but still need edge rusher.
18. Tennessee Titans — $25,184,566
You must be registered for see images attach
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward stands on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling during the third quarter after a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Tennessee can celebrate its league-best cap space. Tennessee has $63M-$64M in cap space, leading the NFL comfortably overall. They added Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin-Myers, and Alontae Taylor.
19. Carolina Panthers — $22,140,178
You must be registered for see images attach
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Carolina has about $2.2 million in cap space after restructures. They added Jaelan Phillips and kept flexibility by moving veterans.
20. Washington Commanders — $20,692,736
You must be registered for see images attach
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Washington started with over $87M cap space, still holding around $49M after moves. They added Amik Robertson, Odafe Oweh, and re-signed Marcus Mariota.
21. Chicago Bears — $19,895,493
You must be registered for see images attach
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up while quarterback Tyson Bagent looks on before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Chicago has the least cap space in the league and still has almost $20 million in dead money.
22. Baltimore Ravens — $18,198,715
You must be registered for see images
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks on during warmups before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Baltimore holds about $30M cap space after Lamar Jackson restructure. They added Trey Hendrickson, Chidobe Awuzie, and reinforced depth.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — $13,329,591
You must be registered for see images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay has about $14M-$20M cap space after restructures. They created flexibility but avoided major additions while managing heavy dead cap.
24. New York Giants — $12,618,472
You must be registered for see images
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New York has about $4M-$6.5M cap space after active moves. They added Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds, while managing limited flexibility.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers — $12,221,838
You must be registered for see images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold $27M cap space with low dead money, offering strong financial flexibility entering 2026. Key additions include Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, and Jaquan Brisker to strengthen roster depth.
26. Cincinnati Bengals — $10,365,869
You must be registered for see images
Wildcats FFC quarterback Joe Burrow throws the ball during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Cincinnati stays just over $10 million. The Cincinnati Bengals aggressively upgraded their defense, signing Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook. They added Kyle Dugger and Ja’Sir Taylor, but lost Trey Hendrickson and Geno Stone.
27. Kansas City Chiefs — $9,773,977
You must be registered for see images attach
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Kansas City is below $10 million and closer to cleaner cap books.
28. Indianapolis Colts — $9,593,644
You must be registered for see images attach
Carlie Irsay-Gordon speaks with media during a press conference held at the Indianapolis Colts practice facility.
Indianapolis is just behind the Chiefs. They have re-signed QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce
29. Los Angeles Rams — $8,835,821
You must be registered for see images attach
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The Rams keep their dead money under $9 million. They have Matthew Stafford the highest-earning quarterback till now.
30. Los Angeles Chargers — $5,548,177
You must be registered for see images attach
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert looks on before the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Chargers have one of the smaller dead cap numbers. Cap space is $48 million.
31. Denver Broncos — $3,385,588
You must be registered for see images
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix reacts after winning an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos boosted their offense by trading for Jaylen Waddle. They mainly focused on continuity by re-signing most of their in-house free agents while adding depth across key positions.
32. Seattle Seahawks — $483,723
You must be registered for see images
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold reacts during Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX parade. Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Seattle has the lowest dead cap hit in the NFL. But what they are the Super Bowl LX Champions.
Conclusion
The overall picture is clear. The Dolphins are carrying the biggest 2026 dead cap hit by far, while the Super Bowl LX winners are sitting at the other end of the scale. In between, the league shows the full cost of aggressive roster building. Teams with the most cap space can still move, but dead money can quickly limit how far they go.
Continue reading...
