The NFL announced that the salary cap will increase to $301.2 million for the 2026 season. The $22 million increase, while helpful, is less than the increases leading into the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Even with the increase, the Buffalo Bills are treading in precarious territory with their roster finances.
At this time, Buffalo sits $7.9 million over the salary cap ceiling, according to Spotrac. Buffalo’s dead cap hit is currently $30 million, which is the 10th highest total in the league.
Advertisement
While the Bills still have a ways to go to balance their cap budget, they have started to take action to alleviate their cap struggles. Last week, Buffalo restructured offensive tackle Spencer Brown’s contract, a move that will create $10.4 million in cap relief.
As part of the salary cap acrobatics, teams can use multiple means to create immediate salary relief. Teams can convert a player’s base salary to a signing bonus. In addition, void years can be added to a contract, which pushes some salary into future cap years. Finally, depending on a player’s contract status, teams can release the player to obtain some financial breathing room.
There are several moves that Buffalo can make to create even more cap space.
Contract restructures
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is all smiles after getting up after about a 15-yard run during first half action at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
Josh Allen–Allen is scheduled to eat up $56 million in cap space this season. Restructuring his contract could save $12 million next year.
Dion Dawkins–Dawkins is set to count $24.8 million against the cap. By restructuring or adding a void year, Buffalo could free up $10-11 million in relief.
Ed Oliver–Oliver has the third-largest cap hit at $23.9 million. Oliver has two years remaining on his contract, and he always has a void year attached to his agreement. A restructuring may save Buffalo about $10 in cap space.
Dawson Knox–Knox’s cap hit is $17.8 million, which is a massive weight on the Bills ledger. Buffalo could offer an extension, helping to mediate some of that load.
Advertisement
Summer cuts
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Tyler Bass #2 of the Buffalo Bills watches the ball go through the uprights during an extra point attempt in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Bills have two options when releasing players this summer. The important date to know about this is June 1. A pre-June 1 cut means all of the player’s prorated money will be a part of the following season’s cap. A post-June 1 release allows a team to spread out the dead cap hit over the next two seasons. Buffalo could make the following moves to create more cap room:
Curtis Samuel–Samuel’s cap hit is just over $9 million. A release would open up about $6 million in cap space.
Taylor Rapp–Rapp’s relatively small dead cap number makes him a candidate. His release would open up about $3 million on the bottom line.
Dawson Knox–Another option for Buffalo could be to release Knox, which would open up about $10 million in cap savings.
Tyler Bass–Bass would fall under the post-June 1 cut, as his savings would be greater following that date. Buffalo would recoup about $3.9 million in cap space while taking on about $1 million in dead cap money over the next two years.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2026 NFL salary cap: Bills working with murky cap situation in 2026