The NFL announced on Friday that its 2026 salary cap will be $301.2 million per team.
That’s on the low end of the projected range – $301.2 million to $305.7 million – the NFL announced last month, but it still marks a $22 million increase over last year’s salary cap.
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According to Over the Cap, that means the Seattle Seahawks currently have approximately $59.6 million in salary cap space, which is the sixth-most of any team in the league. Seattle also ranks sixth with $56.4 million in effective cap space – an estimate that factors in money needed to pay this year’s rookie class.
A significant chunk of the Seahawks’ cap space could go toward long-term deals for AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon. As 2023 first-round draft picks, both players are entering the final year of their rookie contracts and are thus eligible for extensions.
The Seahawks also have a number of pending free agents, including Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, wide receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed, edge rusher Boye Mafe, safety Coby Bryant, cornerback Riq Woolen and cornerback Josh Jobe.
The NFL’s free agent negotiating window begins on March 9, followed by the official start of free agency and the new league year on March 11.
Seattle Seahawks offseason coverage
• Huard: 3 position groups for Seattle Seahawks to watch at combine
• Report: Seahawks rank 4th among NFL teams in NFLPA report card survey
• Role reversal: Seahawks coach Macdonald’s mentor is now studying him
• How a weaker 2026 draft already factored into Seattle Seahawks’ moves
• What we know about the Seattle Seahawks’ 2026 coaching staff
