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2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team

The 2026 NFL season will run with a base salary cap of $301.2 million. Teams also carry over unused money from past years and add small adjustments. Cap space comes from a simple formula. It is team salary cap minus active cap spending minus dead money. Active cap spending is what players on the roster count against the cap. Dead money is what still counts for players no longer on the team. Effective cap space shows what a team will really have after signing at least 51 players and its rookie class.

Some teams sit far under the cap and can shop in free agency. Others are deep in the red and must cut players or restructure deals. The numbers also show roster size. A few teams already carry more than 60 players. That limits flexibility. Big spenders like the Cowboys and Vikings are well over the cap. They must act early in the offseason. On the other side, the Titans, Chargers, and Raiders control the market with large room to move. Dead money plays a major role too. The Jets and Dolphins stand out with heavy dead cap hits. This hurts their short term plans.

Below is the full 2026 list with cap space, effective cap space, roster count, active spending, and dead money. (Via Overthecap)

32. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark celebrates with defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku after a sack. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Cowboys are in the worst cap shape in the league. They sit at -$56,133,904 in cap space and -$63,639,128 in effective cap space with 56 players under contract. Their active cap spending is $356,667,014, and they’re carrying $25,994,177 in dead money. This situation almost guarantees major contract restructures or tough roster cuts.

31. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota isn’t far behind. The Vikings are -$45,506,353 over the cap and -$50,535,362 in effective space with 54 players. Their active spending is $353,224,552, while dead money sits at $5,608,074. A heavy payroll has pushed them deep into the red.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the first half against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Jaguars are -$15,922,805 in cap space and -$18,407,374 in effective space with 64 players signed. They’ve committed $280,800,131 in active spending and carry $43,863,713 in dead money. Those dead contracts seriously limit flexibility.

29. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots during 1st quarter their game at the Louisiana Superdome. Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are once again juggling the cap. They’re at -$10,656,060 in cap space and -$18,253,819 in effective space with 66 players. Active spending is $262,349,600, but dead money has ballooned to $65,798,682, tying up much of their flexibility.

28. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) celebrates 34-17 win over Chicago Bears as he exits the field at Soldier Field in Chicago. Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit shows -$12,159,148 in cap space and -$16,867,371 in effective space with 52 players. Their active spending stands at $324,718,800, with $9,287,290 in dead money. A costly roster is the main issue here.

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27. Houston Texans

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrate after a touchdown during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Houston sits at -$7,483,665 in cap space and -$13,322,817 in effective space with 57 players. They’ve committed $277,850,449 in active spending and carry $39,318,780 in dead money. That dead cap plays a big part in the crunch.

26. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of the AFC Divisional playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs are -$5,664,166 in cap space and -$13,059,065 in effective space with 53 players. Active spending is $304,864,273, and dead money is just $2,382,309. Big-name contracts keep things tight, even with low dead cap.

25. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) runs the ball during warm ups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Cleveland technically has $756,221 in cap space, but their effective space drops to -$11,517,237 with 55 players. Active spending is $294,513,177, and dead money totals $31,763,848. Those dead charges weigh heavily.

24. Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Bears are -$6,484,355 in cap space and -$10,676,769 in effective space with 56 players. Their active spending is $315,485,070, and dead money is only $917,993. The payroll itself is the main issue.

23. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls a play during the first quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup. Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Buffalo sits at -$6,280,334 in cap space and -$10,384,394 in effective space with 60 players. Active spending is $277,098,156, and dead money stands at $30,093,166. Depth across the roster adds pressure.

22. New York Giants

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass as Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) defends during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Giants have $2,778,721 in cap space but fall to -$7,320,579 in effective space with 58 players. They’re spending $296,758,591 actively and carry just $216,804 in dead money. Roster size limits flexibility.

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21. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) hands the ball off to running back Jaylen Wright (5) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Miami holds $772,563 in cap space and -$6,560,811 in effective space with 52 players. Active spending is $233,796,997, but dead money is a massive $73,949,387. That dead cap defines their situation.

20. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

The Packers are -$4,093,657 in cap space and -$5,884,425 in effective space with 66 players. Active spending totals $297,303,029, and dead money is $17,165,048. A large roster limits breathing room.

19. Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts with center Austin Corbett (63) in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Carolina has $10,274,504 in cap space and $5,389,610 in effective space with 54 players. Active spending is $287,640,323, and dead money sits at $14,382,844. There’s some room, but not much.

18. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Falcons show $8,979,519 in cap space and $7,155,551 in effective space with 51 players. Active spending is $291,513,644, and dead money is just $4,660,354. Low dead cap helps their outlook.

17. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Philadelphia has $13,624,388 in cap space and $8,530,440 in effective space with 58 players. Active spending stands at $249,331,996, but dead money is high at $50,921,852.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Ravens hold $19,536,387 in cap space and $10,863,416 in effective space with 48 players. Active spending is $279,761,158, and dead money totals $12,262,715. A smaller roster gives them options.

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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) runs for a gain during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay has $20,941,710 in cap space and $15,381,258 in effective space with 52 players. Active spending is $293,339,073, and dead money is just $255,591. Their books look very clean.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks on the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Arizona shows $31,686,426 in cap space and $20,162,033 in effective space with 60 players. Active spending is $273,213,155, and dead money equals $10,934,104. They’re right in the middle.

13. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos defensive back Darian Stewart (26) and cornerback Chris Harris (25) celebrate a defensive stop in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Denver has $26,207,734 in cap space and $22,201,607 in effective space with 55 players. Active spending is $276,755,391, and dead money is only $1,218,922. That low dead cap helps.

12. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) after Jones scores a touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

The Colts sit comfortably with $33,211,489 in cap space and $31,197,759 in effective space with 60 players. Active spending is $268,520,497, and dead money is just $2,093,644. Their balance stands out.

11. Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Rams have $41,685,855 in cap space and $34,241,397 in effective space with 53 players. Active spending totals $259,716,794, and dead money is $9,770,442. They have room to maneuver.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh holds $39,976,582 in cap space and $34,340,535 in effective space with 62 players. Active spending is $269,725,786, and dead money equals $7,934,338. There’s flexibility here.

9. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The 49ers show $38,767,176 in cap space and $34,369,959 in effective space with 62 players. Active spending is $262,874,623, and dead money stands at $29,893,741. Dead cap trims some flexibility.

8. New England Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (left) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) talk before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

New England has $40,260,596 in cap space and $36,140,072 in effective space with 63 players. Active spending totals $289,460,498, and dead money is $21,790,382.

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7. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Bengals are in a strong position with $50,433,671 in cap space and $43,307,105 in effective space with 64 players. Active spending is $248,763,417, and dead money is $11,248,222.

6. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) reacts after a fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Seattle looks very clean financially. They have $59,510,461 in cap space and $56,328,564 in effective space with 59 players. Active spending is $253,390,022, and dead money is just $483,723.

5. Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) runs the ball 16 yards for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Washington holds $71,284,969 in cap space and $64,540,814 in effective space with 52 players. Active spending totals $244,919,032, and dead money is $12,592,736.

4. New York Jets

New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) passes against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Jets have $88,723,313 in cap space and $72,838,805 in effective space with 54 players. Active spending is just $143,644,049, but dead money is massive at $91,246,438.

3. Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas sits at $89,084,807 in cap space and $74,553,010 in effective space with 49 players. Active spending is $189,551,472, and dead money is $34,812,266. They still have plenty of roster building to do.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) and teammates react in the last seconds of 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 show $85,454,941 in cap space and $81,097,423 in effective space with 51 players. Active spending totals $217,076,367, and dead money is only $1,538,177. They’re in a very strong position.

1. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates the fumble of New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Tennessee leads the league with $94,795,659 in cap space and $82,476,565 in effective space with 50 players. Active spending is $211,931,097, and dead money totals $17,069,272. Right now, they have the best financial outlook in the NFL.

Conclusion

The 2026 cap picture splits the league in two. A few teams face major cuts. Others hold power in free agency. Smart planning now will shape the season ahead.

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