The New York Jets stand to benefit from a massive announcement by the NFL.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared on social media on Friday, January 30, “The NFL informed clubs today it is projecting a 2026 salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million per club, per source. That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100M than the $208.2M cap in 2022.”
“Business is booming,” Pelissero added.
That would represent another significant jump from this year’s $279.2 million cap number, and nearly $100M than the $208.2M cap in 2022.
So what does that mean for the Jets?
“NFL teams are reportedly projected to gain at least $22 million in cap space ahead of the 2026 season,” Julia Stumbaugh of Bleacher Report wrote.
According to the updated projections from Spotrac, the Jets are set to have $82.65 million in cap space. That is the fourth most in the NFL this offseason.
The Jets Have a Chance to Create Even More Cap Space, Says Insider
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY explained that the “only real way” to create additional cap space beyond what they have is by dumping veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.
Hughes revealed that the Jets could add $7.5 million based on that move.
The other possibility includes the team working on some “restructures” with big-money players like linebacker Jamien Sherwood and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Hughes posted.
“They don’t really need any extra money, though,” Hughes added.
Things That Could Eat up Big Time Cap Space for Jets
The Jets have a slew of free agents who are set to hit the open market in March. However, the team must decide which of the few from that larger group are worth keeping around.
Gang Green has a few key decisions looming.
We’ll start off at left guard. The majority of the Jets’ offensive line is spoken for, but there is one critical question. Who do the Jets want to bring back?
It feels like a choice between John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker. It feels unlikely that both return to the squad in 2026.
Simpson is the safer player. He has started 51 consecutive games over the last three seasons. The veteran guard is always available, and that is an important trait.
For context, AVT has never started a full 17-game season once in his career. He has suffered three season-ending injuries across his five years in the NFL.
Extending players with those track records comes with incredible risk. Vera-Tucker is the better player and has a much higher ceiling when healthy.
Do the Jets swing for upside? Or just go for old reliable?
The NFL doesn’t separate offensive linemen by position when considering the franchise tag. The number is the same whether you’re an offensive tackle, a guard, or a center. That means the projected franchise tag total for an OL in 2026 is $27.9 million, per Over The Cap.
Neither Simpson nor AVT is getting that bag of money. So the Jets have to make their choice before free agency, or let them both hit the market and risk losing them.
The other big money player for the Jets is running back Breece Hall. ESPN had him ranked as the top tailback expected to hit the market this offseason. The franchise tag projected number for an RB is $14.5 million, per Over The Cap.
The rest of the Jets’ free agents, with all due respect, are inconsequential as it pertains to big money deals.
Jets Expected to Receive Bonus $22 Million in Cap Space After NFL Announcement