With 2026 NFL free agency approaching in a couple of weeks, there are a couple of teams in position to spend big. Last offseason, the New England Patriots spent big in free agency, and it paid off with a Super Bowl berth. Here are some teams that should look to spend big in 2026 NFL free agency.
Five NFL Teams That Should Spend Big Money In 2026 NFL Free Agency
*2026 projected cap-space via overthecap
5. Cincinnati Bengals
2026 projected cap space: $53,009,681
The Bengals have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons behind Joe Burrow. If the Bengals want to get back to relevancy with Burrow under center, they will need to spend big in free agency to fix their biggest problems. Most of Cincy’s problems lie on the defensive side, as they were one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2025. It also didn’t help that the Burrow missed most of the season with injuries. However, a fourth straight season with no playoffs for Cincinnati would be a disaster. So, solidifying the defense and adding to the offensive line will be mandatory for the Bengals to be back to where they want to be.
Burrow has also become frustrated with the organization and has spoken publicly about the team’s need to improve.
4. Los Angeles Rams
2026 projected cap-space: $44,341,855
2026 could be the final season for Matthew Stafford, so the LA Rams will need to capitalize on the window they have with Stafford. Stafford is coming off a season where he won the MVP. With him planning to come back for his 18th season, it isn’t guaranteed that Stafford will be able to be as good as he was in 2026, so because of that, the Rams will need to spend in free agency and surround Stafford with as much talent as possible for a Super Bowl push.
3. Seattle Seahawks
2026 projected cap-space: $61,879,461
If the Seahawks want to go back-to-back in 2026, it’s going to have to start with what they do in free agency. The defense is already the best in the league, so solidifying their offense will be key to the Seahawks repeating as Super Bowl champions. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III is a free agent, so getting him signed will be key for the Seahawks. Also, going after free-agent receivers who can help take pressure off Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be key for Seattle in 2026 NFL free agency.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
2026 projected cap-space: $81,882,941
The Chargers are among the league’s top teams with cap space for the 2026 season. They should go into free agency and the offseason looking to be aggressive, with their focus on winning their division in 2026. Playing in the AFC West with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, the Chargers will need to position themselves as one of the top teams in their division and the AFC for 2026.
The Chargers have made the postseason the last two years but have suffered disappointing wild-card-round losses. The Chargers need to spend big in free agency to avoid a disappointing playoff run in 2026. With Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers will be expected to finally be able to make some noise in the playoffs this season.
1. Washington Commanders
2026 projected cap-space: $73,653,969
The Commanders need to bounce back from a disastrous 2025 season. In 2024, the Commanders were among the league’s best teams after reaching the NFC Championship game. With expectations high for 2025, the Commanders would tumble back down to the bottom end of the NFL. Washington had one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and star quarterback Jayden Daniels would miss most of the season due to different injuries.
If the Commanders want to get back to their 2024 form, they will need to spend big in free agency, as they are currently slated to have over $70 million in space to sign players.
Washington should spend most of their cap space on the defensive side and should target players coming off their rookie contracts rather than the veterans like Bobby Wagner or Zach Ertz that they have had to rely on in the past couple of seasons.
Main Images: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
