National Football League (NFL) teams began the 2026 free agency period under a record 301.2 million dollar salary cap.The Denver Broncos face a historic 85 million dollar dead cap hit after releasing Russell Wilson from his contract.Dallas Cowboys management applied a franchise tag to George Pickens while the Baltimore Ravens traded for Maxx Crosby.These financial maneuvers occur as franchises attempt to restructure rosters to compete with the champion Seattle Seahawks.