Ranking All 32 NFL Teams by Salary Cap Space and Draft Capital
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams are strategically positioning themselves to maximize their potential. Among these teams, the New York Jets stand out with significant advantages in salary cap space and draft capital.
New York Jets: Salary Cap Space and Draft Picks
The Jets currently rank fourth in the NFL with over $79 million in available salary cap space. This financial flexibility allows them to pursue free agency options aggressively. Additionally, New York holds the top spot in draft capital for the upcoming season.
Draft Assets
The Jets have multiple high-value draft picks that could reshape their roster:
- Second overall pick
- Sixteenth overall pick (acquired for Sauce Gardner)
- Thirty-third overall pick (opening pick of Day 2)
- Forty-fourth overall pick (acquired for Quinnen Williams)
With these assets, the team is well-equipped to address key needs during the draft.
Team Needs
As they prepare for the draft, the Jets have identified several critical positions that require attention:
- Quarterback (QB)
- Cornerback (CB)
- Wide Receiver (WR)
- Defensive Line (DL)
- Offensive Line (OL)
The quarterback position is particularly pressing, given last season’s challenges. The Jets utilized Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook throughout 2025, but none emerged as a reliable long-term solution.
Management’s Vision
General Manager Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn have initiated a rebuild. Following trades that sent Gardner and Williams away, they are now poised to make impactful decisions in their first full offseason. With ample resources, the Jets can significantly reshape their roster.
In summary, the New York Jets possess both substantial salary cap space and valuable draft capital. As they target crucial roster improvements, they are in an excellent position to make meaningful changes for the upcoming season.
