American Football
NFL salary cap space ahead of free agency: Chargers, Titans set to spend big
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NFL free agency opens on Wednesday, March 11, and with the salary cap rising to a record $301.2 million, teams should be entering the new league year with the resources to make major moves.
But that's not the case for all. While some franchises boast significant space, others are operating on tight margins.
After a busy few days of trades, tags and extensions, and before the real chaos of free agency hits, here’s a snapshot of each team’s projected cap space - and how those with the most money should approach free agency.
Projected cap space for every team
These figures will inevitably change as teams engage in the usual cap gymnastics over the next few weeks and beyond.
| Rank | Team | Cap Space (Top 51) |
| 1 | Los Angeles Chargers | $99,517,325 |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans | $89,379,059 |
| 3 | Las Vegas Raiders | $84,734,212 |
| 4 | Washington Commanders | $83,313,649 |
| 5 | New York Jets | $73,862,485 |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks | $60,733,971 |
| 7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $50,016,173 |
| 8 | Cincinnati Bengals | $47,466,907 |
| 9 | Arizona Cardinals | $39,821,790 |
| 10 | New England Patriots | $35,261,699 |
| 11 | Chicago Bears | $32,014,651 |
| 12 | Los Angeles Rams | $29,279,412 |
| 13 | Kansas City Chiefs | $22,971,131 |
| 14 | San Francisco 49ers | $22,602,208 |
| 15 | Denver Broncos | $20,948,090 |
| 16 | Baltimore Ravens | $20,399,001 |
| 17 | Atlanta Falcons | $16,306,296 |
| 18 | New York Giants | $13,710,627 |
| 19 | Philadelphia Eagles | $13,672,936 |
| 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $11,305,885 |
| 21 | Carolina Panthers | $7,315,093 |
| 22 | Dallas Cowboys | $7,195,101 |
| 23 | Green Bay Packers | $2,785,169 |
| 24 | Houston Texans | $2,458,142 |
| 25 | Indianapolis Colts | -$4,027,512 |
| 26 | Miami Dolphins | -$5,999,376 |
| 27 | Detroit Lions | -$6,084,822 |
| 28 | Jacksonville Jaguars | -$16,332,728 |
| 29 | New Orleans Saints | -$20,502,364 |
| 30 | Cleveland Browns | -$25,465,486 |
| 31 | Buffalo Bills | -$32,438,740 |
| 32 | Minnesota Vikings | -$44,543,590 |
How cap leaders should approach free agency
Los Angeles Chargers
At the NFL Combine, GM Joe Hortiz revealed the worst-kept secret about the Chargers' offseason priorities.
"We need to add to the offensive line. We're frankly thin in terms of numbers there right now...That is the plan, that is the goal... in the draft and free agency."
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will return from injury to shore up the tackle positions, but Los Angeles desperately needs help on the interior.
They have started making enquiries in that regard.
Beyond signing a center, and with Mekhi Becton's release and Zion Johnson likely to depart in free agency, signing two guards should be the next focus.
Isaac Seumalo, Alijah Vera-Tucker and David Edwards should be on Hortiz's radar.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have their QB of the future in Cam Ward. The challenge now is to surround him with a roster capable of competing.
While they have enviable cap space to work with, they need to add talent at several positions, including wide receiver and cornerback.
Free agent wideouts Wan'Dale Robinson, Alec Pierce, or Juan Jennings could be in play.
Cornerback is a little trickier, but infusing that group with someone like Jamel Dean, Jaylen Watson or 2025 breakout Nahshon Wright would be wise.
Las Vegas Raiders
Assuming the Raiders stay put in the 2026 NFL Draft and select QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, that would address their biggest need.
Beyond that, they still have much work to do. Priorities include upgrading the offensive line, even before addressing cornerback and wide receiver.
With question marks at center, Linderbaum would be a major addition. And at guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Isaac Seumalo, or even Joel Bitonio should be considered.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders sorely need a center of Linderbaum's quality. If they pivot to a cheaper option, Connor McGovern or Ethan Pocic would represent major upgrades.
Upgrading their stable of edge rushers should also be a focus in free agency and the draft. Perhaps they'll get into a bidding war with the Titans for Trey Hendrickson or Jaelan Phillips.
If they want short-term help, they could look Khalil Mack's way. If getting younger is a consideration, and they want to keep money aside for wideout or tight end help, Boye Mafe would be a solid signing.
