Your complete guide to the 2026 NFL Free Agency period. Live countdown timer, projected salary cap figures, top free agents rankings, team cap space analysis, and breaking news updates. Whether you're tracking today's NFL betting odds, analyzing player proposition opportunities, or planning your fantasy football draft strategy, this comprehensive resource has everything you need.
Official Opening: March 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Key dates and deadlines for the 2026 NFL Free Agency period. Smart bettors use our sportsbook comparison tool to find the best lines on free agent signings and team futures.
February 9, 2026 - Super Bowl LIX concludes the 2025 season. Teams begin evaluating their rosters and preparing free agency strategies. This is when serious NFL betting strategies are formulated for the upcoming season.
February 17 - March 3, 2026 - Teams can designate franchise or transition tag players. Deadline to use franchise tag is March 3rd at 4:00 PM ET. Understanding these roster moves is crucial when using tools like our round robin betting calculator.
February 24 - March 2, 2026 - Teams conduct interviews and medical evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine while planning free agency moves. Get ahead of the market by studying our comprehensive NFL schedule analysis.
March 9-10, 2026 - Two-day window where teams can negotiate with pending free agents but cannot officially sign contracts until the market opens. This period often provides valuable insights for player prop betting opportunities.
March 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET - The new league year begins. Teams can officially sign free agents and trades become official. This is when the action truly begins! Make sure you're using the right betting calculators and tools to maximize your potential returns.
Estimated per team (subject to change)
The NFL salary cap for 2026 is projected to reach approximately $272 million per team, representing a significant increase from the 2025 cap of $255.4 million. This projection is based on revenue growth trends, new media deals, and the league's continued financial expansion. The actual cap number will be finalized in early March 2026 once all revenue calculations are completed. Teams are already planning their roster moves and contract negotiations around this projected figure, which will determine how aggressive they can be in pursuing top free agents. For bettors, understanding cap space is essential when utilizing our hedge betting calculator or arbitrage betting tools for futures markets.
Top teams positioned to make significant moves in free agency (projected figures). These franchises are most likely to pursue top talent, making them crucial to monitor when developing your advanced parlay strategy.
| Rank | Team | Projected Cap Space | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington Commanders | $86.2M | ● Big Spender |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans | $81.5M | ● Big Spender |
| 3 | New England Patriots | $78.9M | ● Big Spender |
| 4 | Chicago Bears | $72.3M | ● Big Spender |
| 5 | Carolina Panthers | $69.8M | ● Active |
| 6 | Las Vegas Raiders | $65.4M | ● Active |
| 7 | Indianapolis Colts | $61.2M | ● Active |
| 8 | New York Giants | $58.7M | ● Active |
| 9 | Cleveland Browns | $54.3M | ● Moderate |
| 10 | Seattle Seahawks | $51.9M | ● Moderate |
* Projected figures based on current contracts and anticipated restructures. Actual cap space will be finalized after the 2025 season ends and all roster bonuses are paid. Use our moneyline calculator to determine optimal bet sizing based on these team movements.
Get the best odds on NFL futures and player props. Will your team land the top free agent? Place your bets now and use our implied odds calculator to find value!
Claim Your BonusRanked list of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents entering the 2026 market. Whether you're building winning parlay combinations or exploring underdog betting opportunities, understanding player movement is crucial for success.
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Maximize your profits during the free agency period with these proven approaches. Whether you're new to sports betting or a seasoned veteran, understanding how to read betting odds is fundamental to success.
Free agency creates immediate market reactions as oddsmakers adjust team futures based on signings. Smart bettors who understand implied probability in sports betting can identify overreactions and find value. When a team signs a marquee free agent, their Super Bowl odds might shorten dramatically, but the actual improvement may be overstated. Our no-vig calculator helps you identify true value by removing the sportsbook's margin.
The volatility of free agency makes risk management essential. Professional bettors often use our Fibonacci betting system calculator to manage their bankroll through uncertain periods. Additionally, learning how to hedge a bet effectively becomes crucial when early free agency moves don't go as anticipated. The key is protecting your capital while staying positioned for profitable opportunities.
NFL futures markets offer the best value during free agency, especially when using our comprehensive sports betting guide. Whether you're building parlays with our EV parlay builder or exploring complex trifecta betting strategies, timing your bets around major signings can significantly impact your bottom line.
Breaking news, rumors, and official signings - Updated regularly throughout the free agency period. Stay ahead of the market with real-time updates that inform your best betting strategies.
Sources indicate that at least five teams with significant cap space are preparing offers for the top edge rusher on the market. Expect bidding war to push contract value over $28M per year. Smart bettors are already using parlay payout calculators to estimate potential returns on futures bets.
Reports suggest veteran quarterback exploring options with three contending teams. Decision expected during legal tampering period in early March. This could significantly impact NFL championship odds and divisional betting lines.
Front office sources hint at aggressive free agency strategy with focus on rebuilding both offensive and defensive lines. Team has over $70M in projected cap space. Understanding these moves is essential when consulting our cross-sport betting strategies for similar market movements in basketball's free agency.
Despite team's desire to retain, All-Pro safety reportedly planning to explore market. Multiple teams already expressing strong interest ahead of legal tampering. Check our ultimate parlay betting guide for tips on incorporating defensive signings into your betting strategy.
Early projections suggest at least 12-15 players could receive franchise tag designation. Key decisions expected before March 3rd deadline. These roster decisions often create opportunities for bettors who understand where sports betting is legal and can act quickly across different markets.
Team working on multiple contract restructures to create approximately $25M in additional cap space for 2026 free agency period. This type of financial maneuvering often precedes major signings that can be profitable for those using advanced parlay betting strategies.
This section will be updated weekly with confirmed signings and breaking news as free agency approaches
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