2026 NFL Offseason: Seahawks Face $73.5M Cap as Bills Hire Joe Brady

The 2026 NFL offseason begins with the Seattle Seahawks holding $73.5 million in cap space and the Buffalo Bills naming Joe Brady head coach.

Seattle leads the league in financial flexibility with an estimated $73.5 million in available spending room. Coming off a 14-3 campaign and an FPI ranking of No. 2, the Seahawks hold the 32nd overall pick. The front office recently committed $104.4 million to left tackle Charles Cross through a four-year extension signed Jan. 4. Priority decisions now loom for Pro Bowl returner Rashid Shaheed—acquired in November for fourth- and fifth-round picks—as well as pending free agents Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen, and Kenneth Walker III.

In Buffalo, offensive coordinator Joe Brady has ascended to head coach via a five-year contract. He replaces Sean McDermott, whose nine-season tenure ended following a divisional round exit against Denver. The 12-5 Bills own the No. 26 selection and face a defensive exodus with Joey Bosa and DaQuan Jones hitting the market. On the offensive side, 28-year-old center Connor McGovern is a free agent, prompting analysts Reid and Miller to suggest the team target perimeter threats like KC Concepcion or Denzel Boston.

Defensive Rebuilds and Salary Constraints

The Chicago Bears must overhaul a pass rush that tied for the league's worst win rate. Offseason additions Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett combined for only three sacks, with the former missing half the season due to injury. Operating with a $12.7 million deficit and the 25th pick, Chicago risks losing safety Kevin Byard III, who posted seven interceptions, and Nahshon Wright, who tallied eight total takeaways. Ben Solak anticipates a trade involving 29-year-old DJ Moore to clear a path for Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.

New England enters the spring with a 14-3 mark but sits $12.5 million over the limit. Holding the No. 31 pick, the Patriots must address a pass rush that ranked 19th in win rate. While cornerback Christian Gonzalez is eligible for an extension, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson and safety Jaylin Hawkins are unrestricted free agents. To bolster the front, the team is linked to 265-pound Clemson product T.J. Parker and a potential veteran signing in Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd.

Quarterback Transitions and Roster Turnover

The Los Angeles Rams possess a rare draft arsenal with picks No. 13 and No. 29. Armed with $62.2 million in buying power, the organization awaits a retirement decision from 17-year veteran Matthew Stafford. While Quentin Lake secured a $42 million extension, fellow safety Kam Curl is expected to depart despite logging over 1,000 snaps. Following the Dec. 20 firing of special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, the Rams may use their capital on blockers like Caleb Lomu or Spencer Fano.

Denver maintains the 30th selection after a 14-3 season that could see defensive coordinator Vance Joseph depart for a head coaching role. The Broncos have avoided drafting an offensive tackle early since 2017, but free agency for 7.5-sack producer John Franklin-Myers necessitates defensive line investment. Projections suggest Sean Payton will target Colts receiver Alec Pierce to assist Bo Nix, while Georgia’s CJ Allen is a candidate to replace departing linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.

Houston’s Interior and San Francisco’s Pressure Gap

The 12-5 Texans struggled with a 24th-ranked ground game that averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. With Joe Mixon sidelined for the entire year, rookie Woody Marks led the backfield, but the team now faces a $8.2 million cap overage. Guard Ed Ingram is a priority free agent, and the No. 28 pick could be used on Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane to support C.J. Stroud. Houston’s secondary receiving trio behind Nico Collins managed just 1,024 yards, signaling a need for more explosive options.

San Francisco finished 2025 with a league-low 20 sacks and a 29th-place ranking in pass rush win rate. Despite a 12-5 record, the 49ers are $5 million over the cap and likely to lose Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk. To fix a 24.7% pressure rate, the front office may pursue Trey Hendrickson or a trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux. With the 27th pick, the team is scouting Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, who generated 449 yards after the catch last season.