Several NFL teams are heading into the 2026 offseason with massive salary cap hits tied to their franchise quarterbacks, including Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff.

The urgency around cap space is already drawing attention across the league. The Kansas City Chiefs’ recent decision to restructure Patrick Mahomes’ massive contract for the 2026 season reflects just how timely such moves can be. His restructured contract of $43.56 million is an early reminder of how timely moves can create significant financial breathing room when it matters most.

MORE: Chiefs make $43M Patrick Mahomes decision ahead of 2026 NFL free agency

A latest report from Spotrac outlines the current landscape of the NFL’s top cap hits ahead of free agency and points to simple salary conversions as a potential solution.

The latest figures show just how heavy the financial burden is for some of the league’s biggest quarterback contracts heading into the 2026 season. Deshaun Watson currently carries the highest projected cap hit at $80.7 million, followed by Lamar Jackson at $74.5 million and Dak Prescott at $74 million.

Jared Goff is not far behind with a $69.6 million hit, while Josh Allen rounds out the top five at $56.3 million. These numbers place significant pressure on team front offices as they prepare for free agency and roster construction.

However, there is a relatively straightforward way to ease that pressure. Simple salary conversions could create substantial cap relief without altering the overall value of these contracts.

Goff’s deal could open up $42.96 million in space, Jackson’s $39.96 million, Watson’s $35.6 million, Prescott’s $30.96 million, and Allen’s $12.16 million. Moves like these allow teams to convert base salary into bonuses, spreading the cap impact over future years and unlocking immediate financial flexibility.

On the other hand, per Over The Cap, several teams tied to the league’s top 2026 quarterback cap hits are entering the offseason with limited financial flexibility. The Cleveland Browns are projected to have roughly $3.2 million in available cap space, while the Baltimore Ravens sit in a relatively better position with close to $22 million.

The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, are currently projected to be around $8 million over the cap, and the Dallas Cowboys are also expected to enter the 2026 offseason above the limit. The Buffalo Bills are facing tightening cap conditions as well, largely due to significant void year money accelerating onto their 2026 books.

These projections highlight why contract restructures and simple salary conversions are expected to play a major role for teams looking to create immediate cap room ahead of free agency.

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