Matt Johnson
NFL free agency kicks off with the tampering period, the unofficial period where massive contracts are verbally agreed to behind close doors. Before all of the chaos, our NFL free agency preview will take a look at six teams with the most cap space this offseason and where that money could be spent.
Let’s dive into our list of the six teams with the cap space right now ahead of NFL free agency. We’re ordering them by cap room, via OvertheCap.com, and will provide some analysis on potential NFL free agents they could target with that money.
Las Vegas Raiders – $121.725 Million
The Las Vegas Raiders do not just have the most cap space heading into NFL free agency, they are the only club with more than $100 million to spend. A top priority is building a better infrastructure around incoming rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and that starts up front. Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL and is just heading into his age-26 season. The bidding war for him might reach up to $25 million per season, but the Las Vegas Raiders can afford to come out on top. Beyond Linderbaum, we suspect that head coach Klint Kubiak will reunite with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and the club could bring in a veteran quarterback like Tyrod Taylor to mentor Mendoza. We would also keep an eye on fullback Alec Ingold and running back Rachaad White as other free agent targets for Kubiak’s offense.
Related: 2026 NFL Free Agency Predictions for Top Quarterbacks
Tennessee Titans – $92.69 Million
While the Tennessee Titans may not come out on top of the free-agency frenzy for a center, we do think the club will pour a ton of money into helping out quarterback Cam Ward and offensive play-caller Brian Daboll. At wide receiver, Alec Pierce is the best deep threat in the NFL and a perfect fit for what Daboll wants to do with the franchise quarterback. We suspect the Titans can win that bidding war. Beyond Pierce, Tennessee can still upgrade its interior offensive line with center Cade Mays, who grew up in Knoxville and played for the Volunteers. Another potential name to keep an eye on is tight end Charlie Kolar, who is outstanding as a run blocker and could see a path to more targets as the number two tight end for the Titans. Defensively, head coach Robert Saleh could push for someone like cornerback Alontae Taylor or potentially explore a reunion with off-ball linebacker Quincy Williams, as he was an All-Pro under Saleh in 2023.
Related: Predicting Landing Spots for Top NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers
Los Angeles Chargers – $92.395 Million
The Los Angeles Chargers have already shelled out some money ahead of National Football League free agency, bringing back edge rusher Khalil Mack and signing center Tyler Biadasz. There is still enough to go around. A top priority should be bringing in guard Isaac Seumalo, who rated as one of the best pass blockers and run blockers in the National Football League last season. He would be a monumental upgrade at left guard for Los Angeles. We would not close the door on Justin Herbert and offensive play-caller Mike McDaniel making a strong case to Mike Evans to come play in Southern California, but wide receiver Romeo Doubs is another viable option and he grew up in the region. Defensively, a cornerback like Montaric Brown or Tariq Woolen would provide help on the perimeter. Two other names to monitor with ties to the team are tight end Jonnu Smith (who had a strong 2024 season under McDaniel) and Charlie Kolar (fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft when Joe Hortiz was the Baltimore Ravens’ director of player personnel).
Related: Most Underrated NFL Free Agents 2026
Washington Commanders – $87.6 Million
Reports surfaced early this offseason that the Washington Commanders would spend aggressively in NFL free agency. It could start with the potential addition of running back Kenneth Walker III, even if it means paying the Super Bowl MVP between $13 million and $15 million per year. Even if Walker is signed, it wouldn’t surprise us if Washington spent a chunk of change on a slot wide receiver like Wan’Dale Robinson or went with a more cost-effective option in Jalen Nailor. Likewise, running back Kenneth Gainwell could be a more prudent option than splurging on Walker. As for Washington’s defense, the team could get aggressive with a pursuit of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson—especially if it spends less at running back and receiver—while cornerbacks Joshua Jobe and Greg Newsome II could be options to improve the secondary for Dan Quinn.
Related: NFL Free Agency Predictions for Top Running Backs
New York Jets – $73.886 Million
The New York Jets are in a situation where they will either have to grossly overpay the top NFL free agents in 2026 or just spread the wealth on second- and third-tier players. We believe the latter is likelier. It may start with adding veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who could still be an effective bridge starter in 2026 and would be in a better situation than he was a year ago. We do think that head coach Aaron Glenn will reunite with linebacker Alex Anzalone, adding some much-needed veteran leadership and experience on the field. New York could also improve at the No. 2 receiver spot, bringing in someone like Stefon Diggs or Darnell Mooney. Glenn’s defense could also add a veteran edge rusher like Al-Quadin Muhammad, a New Jersey native, and we would not rule out the team adding a cornerback like Jaylen Watson.
Seattle Seahawks – $58.081 Million
It looks like Walker and Shaheed will both depart in NFL free agency. So, the Seattle Seahawks will need to spend some money at wide receiver and running back. Jauan Jennings has ties to new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, and that seems like an excellent fit to fill the No. 2 receiver role. At running back, Travis Etienne could be an option, but a $10-plus million price tag might make it more cost-effective to go after Rico Dowdle or Tyler Allgeier. It is worth noting that head coach Mike Macdonald was the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator for Odafe Oweh‘s 10-sack season in 2024. If Seattle cannot re-sign Riq Woolen or Josh Jobe, perhaps Alontae Taylor or Nahshon Wright could fill that void.
Related: Winners, Losers from First Big Week of the 2026 NFL Offseason
