League cap
The 2026 NFL cap is $301.2 million.
What counts
In season the 53-man roster, injured reserve, the physically unable to perform list, practice-squad pay, and dead money all count against the cap.
Offseason counting uses only the top 51 contracts. Once the regular season starts, all 53 count.
Dead money
Dead money is leftover bonus proration and guarantees for players no longer on the roster. Cutting a player does not erase money already promised.
Signing bonuses prorate over up to five years. The rest accelerates if the player is cut or traded.
Wilson note
Michael Wilson signed a three-year, $75.0 million extension on Sept. 3.