NFL teams are expected to have a little extra spending cash for their rosters during the 2026 season.
The NFL informed its clubs on Jan. 30 that the league’s salary cap is expected to increase to between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per team in 2026, according to a person with knowledge of the announcement. The person spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because the numbers were not yet official.
If finalized, the increase would be up to $26.5 million higher than the $279.2 million teams could work with under the 2025 cap.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero first reported the news. Pelissero reported that the exact number would be finalized before free agency opens on March 11.
Since the salary cap’s inception in 1994, it has steadily risen from $34 million, topping $100 million in 2006 and $200 million in 2022.
