NFL · 4 hours ago

Financial Gridlock: 10 NFL Franchises in Salary Cap Jail for Free Agency

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

10. Kansas City Chiefs
Cap Space: $-6,348,869

Despite erasing a $55 million deficit by restructuring Patrick Mahomes's contract, the Chiefs face genuine cap restrictions. To claw back workable space after a 6-11 season, Kansas City has already cut starting DE Mike Danna and will likely do the same with starting RT Jawaan Taylor.

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10 NFL Franchises in Salary Cap Jail
The 2026 NFL salary cap is projected to reach a historic $305.5 million. Despite the unprecedented revenue boom, several franchises remain hamstrung by significant financial constraints.

Here's a closer look:

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1. Cleveland Browns
Cap Space: $-6,530,898

Cleveland is paralyzed by the unprecedented, fully guaranteed contract of QB Deshaun Watson, who carries an $80.7 million cap hit and a $131.1 million dead cap penalty in 2026. The financial black hole forces the front office to push debt into future years through restructures while simultaneously letting foundational pieces like Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller walk in free agency.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Cap Space: $-26,775,723

Dallas's financial issues are largely self-imposed due to an organizational philosophy of extreme fiscal conservatism. While the Cowboys could theoretically unearth over $121 million in cap space by restructuring stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, their reluctance to do so risks a massive exodus of defensive depth and stalls vital extensions, including a standoff with All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Cap Space: $-42,103,590

At $42.1 million over the cap due to an aggressive 2025 free agency, the Vikings must shed massive defensive contracts to reach compliance. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski is exploring trades for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to clear space, while the team's saving grace remains QB J.J. McCarthy's highly manageable $6 million rookie cap hit. Minnesota's main priority is clearing enough room to retain ascending homegrown talent like WR Jalen Nailor.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Cap Space: $-14,120,728

The Jaguars are overpaying aging veterans at non-premium positions, such as LB Foyesade Oluokun and DT Arik Armstead. To retain homegrown talent like All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville has little choice but to shed these veteran contracts or explore counterintuitive extensions for players like Travon Walker to create immediate functional space.
5. Green Bay Packers
Cap Space: -$4,344,831

Green Bay is trapped by contracts featuring massive, ballooning cap numbers in later years. With stars like Jordan Love and Micah Parsons carrying $170.9 million in future option bonuses, further restructures are ill-advised, severely hindering the Packers' ability to re-sign key free agents like Quay Walker.
6. Miami Dolphins
Cap Space: -$3,808,376

The rebuilding Dolphins are saddled with $35 million in dead money. Following the releases of Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, Miami is exploring trading quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose massive contract makes him an absolute financial disaster to cut outright before the season.
7. Buffalo Bills
Cap Space: $-5,892,073

Buffalo's modest deficit hides a severe structural hurdle: nearly $29 million in dead cap accelerating from expired void-year contracts, including $11 million from LB Matt Milano alone. To navigate the void-year fallout and conform to a new defensive scheme, the Bills may be forced to make painful core cuts, with expensive defensive tackle Ed Oliver emerging as a prime casualty.
8. Chicago Bears
Cap Space: $-9,503,349

Following a deep playoff run, the Bears must prune front-loaded veteran contracts to maintain their competitive roster around QB Caleb Williams. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, tight end Cole Kmet, and running back D'Andre Swift are prime cut candidates. At the same time, the front office will likely restructure heavy contracts, such as guard Joe Thuney's, to afford vital depth pieces, like safety Kevin Byard.
9. Detroit Lions
Cap Space: $-9,151,960

Operating at the zenith of their Super Bowl window, Detroit's cap is squeezed primarily by QB Jared Goff's staggering $69.6 million cap hit. To survive, the Lions will likely adopt the "Chiefs Way," converting Goff's base salary into a signing bonus to clear up to $44 million, while also bracing for the potential retirement of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
Cap Space: $-6,348,869

Despite erasing a $55 million deficit by restructuring Patrick Mahomes's contract, the Chiefs face genuine cap restrictions. To claw back workable space after a 6-11 season, Kansas City has already cut starting DE Mike Danna and will likely do the same with starting RT Jawaan Taylor.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
10 NFL Franchises in Salary Cap Jail
The 2026 NFL salary cap is projected to reach a historic $305.5 million. Despite the unprecedented revenue boom, several franchises remain hamstrung by significant financial constraints.

Here's a closer look:

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

Financial Gridlock: 10 NFL Franchises in Salary Cap Jail for Free Agency

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