The projected increase represents a substantial jump from the 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million. Pelissero noted that the cap has risen by nearly $100 million since 2022, thanks to the league's continued revenue growth.
Below is a 10-year overview of the NFL salary cap, including the projected range for 2026. The lone decrease during this period came between 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- 2017: $167.0 million
- 2018: $177.2 million
- 2019: $188.2 million
- 2020: $198.2 million
- 2021: $182.5 million
- 2022: $208.2 million
- 2023: $224.8 million
- 2024: $255.4 million
- 2025: $279.2 million
- 2026: $301.2 million to $305.7 million
The NFL's new league year officially begins on March 11, which also marks the start of free agency.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Former 49ers safety makes bold prediction about Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers made a major effort this offseason to improve their wide receiver room. The biggest addition was veteran Mike Evans, who gives quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable boundary and red-zone target unlike any receiver he has had during his NFL career. The... -
49ers' Christian McCaffrey wins Best Comeback Athlete at the 2026 ESPYS
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was honored as the Best Comeback Athlete on Wednesday night at the 2026 ESPYS in New York. McCaffrey earned the award over golfer Anthony Kim, Angel City FC defender Savy King, and Texas A&M volleyball standout Kyndal... -
49ers' most glaring roster weakness: Why safety is a 2026 concern
49ers Webzone writer Bob Heyrman recently ranked the San Francisco 49ers' position groups heading into training camp, placing safety at the bottom of the list and identifying it as the team's biggest concern. "Perhaps they surprise us, and I will gladly revisit that assessment... -
Graziano: 49ers might be getting a rejuvenated Mike Evans in 2026
ESPN's Dan Graziano joined KNBR this week to discuss the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to open training camp. One of the team's biggest offseason moves was adding veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as part of a significant overhaul of the receiving corps. The biggest...