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The 2026 NFL salary cap reaches an all-time high.
The league has officially set the limit at $301.2 million, an increase of $22 million from the previous season.
This is the first time the $300 million mark has been surpassed, confirming the league's sustained revenue growth. In just five years, the cap has jumped nearly 40%, a marked increase since the period disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steady growth since the pandemic
To better gauge the scale of the change, it is worth noting that the salary cap had fallen to $182 million in 2021, after reaching $198 million before the season affected by the pandemic. The absence or limitation of fans in the stadiums had a significant impact on the league's finances at the time.
Since then, the recovery has been steady. The annual increase has been at least $16 million each year, with an average of about $24 million. The strongest recent growth was recorded between 2023 and 2024, with an increase of $31 million.
Key date for teams
NFL teams must now adjust their payroll accordingly. They will have to comply with the cap by March 11, which marks the official start of the league's new year.
The projected total player costs, including benefits, amount to $378.8 million per team.
Impact on franchise player tags
This increase in the cap also has a direct effect on the amounts associated with franchise tags. In 2026:
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Quarterback remains the highest-paid position with a tag of $43.9 million.
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The wide receiver remains in second place at $27.3 million.
This new salary cap high confirms the NFL's financial strength and opens the door to significant contract maneuvers in the coming weeks.
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