The Chargers are coming off their 2025 season, in which they posted an 11-6 record, finished second in the AFC West, and earned a playoff berth, their second consecutive postseason trip under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Now, the focus shifts to the offseason, where general manager Joe Hortiz and Harbaugh will look to bolster the roster. With substantial cap space, the priority is an overhaul of the interior part of the offensive line to better protect quarterback Justin Herbert after a season of heavy pressure. They also need to decide on which key free agents they will re-sign, including edge rushers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh.
That said, the NFL has projected its salary cap for the 2026 season. So how does that impact the Chargers?
What is the NFL’s projected 2026 salary cap?
The NFL’s 2026 salary cap is projected to be between $301.2 million and $305.7 million. That’s an estimated increase of more than $20 million from the 2025 salary cap ($279.2 million) and nearly $100 million in additional space since the 2022 salary cap ($208.2 million).
How much projected salary cap space do the Chargers have?
The Chargers are currently projected to have $88.56 million in cap space, per OverTheCap. This positions Los Angeles among the league leaders in available flexibility, allowing Hortiz to pursue high-impact free agents, restructure deals or extend key players without major constraints.
Who are some potential Chargers salary cap casualties?
Even with that cushion, the Chargers could pursue cap casualties (players released or restructured) to create additional room for extensions, free-agent signings, or draft investments. Some potential cut candidates include center Bradley Bozeman, guard Zion Johnson, tight end Will Dissly, and edge defender Bud Dupree. The team could create even more space by extending safety Derwin James and restructuring the contracts of Herbert and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: NFL projects 2026 salary cap: Where do the Chargers stand?
