2026 cap space

[Joey007]

Anyone know how this will shake out?

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/_/year/2026

Spotrac is showing we will only have 8.8 million next year. Is this pre rollovers? I also assume there may be a few deals (like Diggs) where we might already move off of it next year.

 

[patman52]

no idea on how this shakes out 8 months from now. and it does not include what we have banked this year. it shows that we have 60 mill now and figure 5 mill for the practice squad. so that is about 55 in the bank

 

[TommyD4207]

Anyone know how this will shake out?

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/_/year/2026

Spotrac is showing we will only have 8.8 million next year. Is this pre rollovers? I also assume there may be a few deals (like Diggs) where we might already move off of it next year.

Pre-rollovers, pre-extensions, pre-annual Cap Increase

 

[stinkypete]

IIRC, we are projected to be among the leaders in cap space next year.

 

[Water Boy]

Wise cap management to roll over cap into next year.

 

[jboston19]

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Pre-rollovers, pre-extensions, pre-annual Cap Increase

NFL Salary Cap Space | Over The Cap

Over the cap shows us with about $311m in total cap charges at this point for 2026. They are projecting a $295.5m cap, and I’m sure most of the other sites are doing a similar projection. That’s why they’re showing the Patriots as being about $15m over the 2026 cap.

The same site has the Patriots with $59m in cap space in 2025 right now. Some of that will come down as we get to the regular season and need to account for everyone and not just top 51. But even if we just wind up with “only” $40m extra, as you said that can be carried forward and will result in us being under the 2026 cap by about $25m. All of that without cutting anyone.

All much ado about nothing right now. Won’t be able to go on a large spending spree like this off-season without any cuts, but don’t need to cut anyone just to get under the cap either.

 

[BobDigital]

It doesn't count any cap roll over.

So that be maybe 40M more. Brings us up to 48M or so which is plenty. Then if we cut Bourne this year that saves 5M. We will either restructure or cut Onwenu in 2026. He will get 7.5Mfor sure but the 25M? He isn't seeing all of that next year.

Even if we need to cut him that's 17.5M in savings... we can easily rent a really good guard with less than that or just draft a guy in the top 64.

 

[Wozzy]

They have a lot of room in 2027, they have a lot of flexibility with their contracts this year and next. Most importantly Drake Maye is on a rookie deal, he has to be good for all this to work out but they’re in great shape if he is.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

We will probably roll over alot of money, plus im guessing we have alot less players to resign than the teams who are still ahead of us since we don’t have that many big fa’s. The only possible costly resigns would be marcus jones and strange. Or if gibbens/chiasson/austin has like a major breakout. Im betting that entering free agency we’ll be up there in amount available to spend.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

We will probably roll over alot of money, plus im guessing we have alot less players to resign than the teams who are still ahead of us since we don’t have that many big fa’s. The only possible costly resigns would be marcus jones and strange. Or if gibbens/chiasson/austin has like a major breakout. Im betting that entering free agency we’ll be up there in amount available to spend.

We can release Onwenu and save $19M with no cap hit on top of the $50M+ rollover amount. That is about $70M plus the existing $9M. Duggar being released saves cap space too.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

We can release Onwenu and save $19M with no cap hit on top of the $50M+ rollover amount. That is about $70M plus the existing $9M. Duggar being released saves cap space too.

Agreed, plenty of cap saving options on top of all that for 2026.

 

[Joey007]

NFL Salary Cap Space | Over The Cap

Over the cap shows us with about $311m in total cap charges at this point for 2026. They are projecting a $295.5m cap, and I’m sure most of the other sites are doing a similar projection. That’s why they’re showing the Patriots as being about $15m over the 2026 cap.

The same site has the Patriots with $59m in cap space in 2025 right now. Some of that will come down as we get to the regular season and need to account for everyone and not just top 51. But even if we just wind up with “only” $40m extra, as you said that can be carried forward and will result in us being under the 2026 cap by about $25m. All of that without cutting anyone.

All much ado about nothing right now. Won’t be able to go on a large spending spree like this off-season without any cuts, but don’t need to cut anyone just to get under the cap either.

There’s some major cap savings to be had on a few deals as well, from what I see.

 

[Toofy]

Onwenu and dugger will be released. Diggs might not be resigned unless he has a breakout 1000 yards + season with 7+ TDs . Henry might also get cut or released. Bourne is also not here in 2026. Rham is dicey too .

So that will bring close to 100+ . I expect quite a few rookies to replace these vets and pg course we will sign gonzo to a monster contract . So RG backup will be important . I see Wallace having a good chance to supplant onwenu .

 

[JoeSixPat]

NFL Salary Cap Space | Over The Cap

Over the cap shows us with about $311m in total cap charges at this point for 2026. They are projecting a $295.5m cap, and I’m sure most of the other sites are doing a similar projection. That’s why they’re showing the Patriots as being about $15m over the 2026 cap.

The same site has the Patriots with $59m in cap space in 2025 right now. Some of that will come down as we get to the regular season and need to account for everyone and not just top 51. But even if we just wind up with “only” $40m extra, as you said that can be carried forward and will result in us being under the 2026 cap by about $25m. All of that without cutting anyone.

All much ado about nothing right now. Won’t be able to go on a large spending spree like this off-season without any cuts, but don’t need to cut anyone just to get under the cap either.

The Pats went into the offseason prepared to shell out some major $$ at LT, WR and a few other positions.

They pretty much got snubbed in spite of having among the most money to offer

They were wise not to spend it just because - there may be opportunities now (Terry McLaurin - although I expect he'll be back with Washington) or next season (more investments on OL) to better spend that money.

 

[Huckleberry1]

We will probably roll over alot of money, plus im guessing we have alot less players to resign than the teams who are still ahead of us since we don’t have that many big fa’s. The only possible costly resigns would be marcus jones and strange. Or if gibbens/chiasson/austin has like a major breakout. Im betting that entering free agency we’ll be up there in amount available to spend.

Next years first round of the draft is loaded with Edge pass rushers, even if they finish drafting 15-20 range there will be high quality edge rushers available.

 

[Joey007]

Onwenu and dugger will be released. Diggs might not be resigned unless he has a breakout 1000 yards + season with 7+ TDs . Henry might also get cut or released. Bourne is also not here in 2026. Rham is dicey too .

So that will bring close to 100+ . I expect quite a few rookies to replace these vets and pg course we will sign gonzo to a monster contract . So RG backup will be important . I see Wallace having a good chance to supplant onwenu .

Why are you so sure Onwenu will be released?

What if he gets back to form this year? You don’t cut quality OL.

 

[mgteich]

It doesn't count any cap roll over.

So that be maybe 40M more. Brings us up to 48M or so which is plenty. Then if we cut Bourne this year that saves 5M. We will either restructure or cut Onwenu in 2026. He will get 7.5Mfor sure but the 25M? He isn't seeing all of that next year.

Even if we need to cut him that's 17.5M in savings... we can easily rent a really good guard with less than that or just draft a guy in the top 64.

If it so easy, we should rent a guard NOW. We have two question marks at LG.

 

[mgteich]

Why are you so sure Onwenu will be released?

What if he gets back to form this year? You don’t cut quality OL.

C'mon. Folks here win by creating cap room and hire their personal favorites in free agency, even if they aren't available. Fantasy worlds are fun for some.

IMO, it is just plain silly to think that the team would be a better team by cutting Onwenu (or Dugger) rather than extending them.
The idea is secure studs AND above average players.

 

[mgteich]

Agreed, plenty of cap saving options on top of all that for 2026.

just extending Dugger and Onwenu puts us in the positive, and that doesn't count the rollover or increase in the cap.

Yes, I understand that some folks here can replace each with a cheap free agent or a 7th round draft choice.
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In any case, we will have lots of options with few key free agents to re-sign.