NFL announces 2026 salary cap set at $301.2 million

The NFL has officially set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million per team, marking a $22 million increase from the 2025 cap and continuing the league's steady financial growth.

Last month, the league notified teams that the 2026 NFL salary cap was projected to fall between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, with the final figure landing at the low end of that range.

Based on the new cap and data from OverTheCap.com, the San Francisco 49ers currently have an estimated $38.9 million in available cap space. That total could still change as teams finalize adjustments, restructures, and carryover from the 2025 season.

The additional cap space provides the 49ers with increased flexibility as they address several offseason needs, including along the defensive line, offensive line, and at wide receiver. The higher cap figure also gives San Francisco more room to extend contracts, retain key players, and potentially add new talent.

Despite being hampered by injuries during the 2025 season, the 49ers finished 12–5 and earned a playoff berth. The organization will look to build on that momentum and strengthen its roster heading into the 2026 NFL season.

Below is a 10-year breakdown of the NFL salary cap, including the 2026 figure. The only decrease during this span occurred from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• 2017: $167.0 million
• 2018: $177.2 million
• 2019: $188.2 million
• 2020: $198.2 million
• 2021: $182.5 million
• 2022: $208.2 million
• 2023: $224.8 million
• 2024: $255.4 million
• 2025: $279.2 million
• 2026: $301.2 million

The new league year begins on March 11, marking the start of free agency.