Salary Cap

The 2026 NFL season is fast approaching, as all 32 teams are getting their rosters reloaded with new talent, new offensive and defensive schemes, and new contracts. Each NFL team has drafted new rookie talent from college and has signed and traded for a good number of veterans to improve its roster. However, each team may have overpaid for certain talent, failed to address other needs to improve their rosters, or taken massive dead-cap hits when releasing a guy who failed to live up to expectations. Here at TPS, we’re going to look at the worst contract at every position in the league right now. Which contracts are the worst for each team in today’s NFL? Arizona Cardinals: Signing Jeremiyah Love to a four-year, $53 million dealApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love is introduced before the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Cardinals drafted Love with the third pick of the 2026 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $53 million contract, which is extremely questionable, as Love hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL yet. Love had back-to-back 1,000 rushing yard seasons at Notre Dame, but the signing is a major risk, as the Cardinals could’ve used that money to address other needs on the team, and are still paying money to coaches and players who are no longer on the team.  Atlanta Falcons: Taking on the dead money hit from the Kirk Cousins contractKirk Cousins (Photo Via Imagn Images) The Falcons are taking a $35 million hit in dead cap money for the next two seasons because of Cousins. He did show flashes during his time in Atlanta, but was mostly inconsistent. This money could’ve been used to sign other talent the roster truly needs, like signing a WR2 to complement Drake London. Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey’s Contract from 2020East Rutherford, NJ — December 15, 2024 — Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens lines up Darius Slayton of the Giants in the first half. The Baltimore Ravens came to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Giants. Although Humphrey signed his five-year, $97.5 million extension back in October 2020, it’s considered one of the worst contracts the Ravens have, as his production has declined in recent years and currently carries a cap hit of $26 million. Humphrey will be 30 before week one kicks off, and cornerbacks and safeties typically slow down at that age. The Ravens could’ve used some of the money to address the issue long ago by signing a more talented offensive lineman. Buffalo Bills: Signing Bradley ChubbJul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) looks during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The Bills signed Chubb to a three-year, $52 million deal, even though he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2022.  The move is very questionable, as Chubb’s production declined in 2025, and he’s also been very injury-prone, as he missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL that he suffered at the end of the 2023 season. The Bills could’ve spent less on Chubb and used some of the contract money to address other significant areas of need during the 2026 NFL offseason.  Carolina Panthers: Jaelen Phillips’ massive dealDec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks off the field after win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Panthers signed Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal, as it’s been viewed as a massive overpay for a guy who has had injury problems and hasn’t had a double-digit sack season yet. On top of that, the money used in Phillips’ deal could’ve been used for other needs, like a deep-threat wide receiver for Bryce Young to work with. Chicago Bears: Dayo Odeyingbo’s dealIndianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) walks off the field Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, after losing 24-6 to the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Odeyingbo signed a massive three-year, $48 million contract back in the 2025 NFL season, and he hasn’t lived up to his contract, as he had 21 tackles, a pass deflection, and a sack in eight games. If Odeyingbo doesn’t rebound in the 2026 season, the Bears would likely cut him and absorb dead money penalties, which could hurt the team moving forward in 2027.  Cincinnati Bengals: Boye Mafe’s dealOct 12, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) runs off the field during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images The Bengals signed Super Bowl LX Champion Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal, with many saying it’s overpay for a guy who wasn’t a starter and had two sacks in the 2025 season.  The Bengals could’ve signed Mafe for a lot less and used the money from his contract for other defensive needs like secondary depth. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson’s ContractOct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images So far, Watson’s contract continues to be the worst contract for the Browns, which features an $80 million cap hit if they decide to cut or trade him. Watson’s on-field play has declined ever since he was traded to the Browns in 2022, and has not gotten any better. 2026 will likely be Watson’s last chance in Cleveland, as the team must be prepared to take the cap hit after the season concludes. Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott’s current contractSep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks at his helmet during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Prescott signed his current extension back in 2024. However, it features a massive $74 million cap hit for the upcoming 2026 season, which will hurt the team down the road.  They won’t be able to build around him long-term, keeping the team in a middle-of-the-road position, instead of competing for a championship. Denver Broncos: Re-Signing Alex SingletonDec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) celebrates after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Broncos re-signed Alex Singleton to a two-year, $15.5 million contract extension, even though his production in the NFL has declined in recent years. Singleton may have led the team in tackles in 2025 with 135, but he has a high missed-tackle rate, at 8.2 percent, and has shown limitations in the pass-rush, as he’s going to be 33 by the end of the 2026 season. Detroit Lions: Signing Cade MaysDec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays (64) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Although the Lions signed Cade Mays is a low-risk move; he isn’t a true franchise starter, as he started in 27 of the 52 games he played so far in his career. He started in 12 out of 14 games for the Carolina Panthers during the 2025 season.  While Mays is good in pass protection, he struggled as a run blocker in 2025, earning a 58.5 grade on Pro Football Focus and an overall grade of 62.4. Mays isn’t a long-term solution for the Lions’ offense, as they need a true veteran center leading the offensive line beyond 2026.  Green Bay Packers: Re-Signing Sean Rhyan Green Bay Packers’ Sean Rhyan (75) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) while providing pass protection during the first quarter of their game Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Similar to the Lions, the Packers had issues at center, but they chose to re-sign Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million extension, even though he’s struggled throughout his career, and started in 27 of 48 games.  Rhyan also has a grade of 59 from Pro Football Focus and is ranked 31st out of 40 centers due to struggles in pass protection, allowing 27 pressures in the 2025 season.  Houston Texans: Re-Signing Ed IngramOct 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram (69) during play against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin (38) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images The Texans re-signed guard Ed Ingram to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension, but some see this as overpay for an NFL guy who’s been inconsistent with pass-protection in the past. The deal also restricts the Texans from signing other needs at the offensive line, even though Ingram had a decent 2025 season. The Texans are making a gamble on whether Ingram’s 2025 season wasn’t just a one-year wonder. Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones’ $88 Million ExtensionIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Daniel Jones signed a massive two-year, $88 million extension after playing well for the Colts before his 2025 season ended with a torn Achilles.  The extension has been called the worst contract of the 2026 offseason due to the huge risks, as Jones is still recovering from his Achilles injury, and there’s no telling whether he’ll replicate the success he had from 2025 into the upcoming regular season.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Retaining Walker LittleNov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Walker Little (72) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Jaguars re-signed Walker Little to a $40 million extension back in 2024, and recently moved him to offensive guard, where he’s struggled, allowing 47 total pressures in the 2025 season. Walker’s salary puts the Jaguars in a tight spot, as it has a $14.49 cap hit, which hurts the team from signing other significant needs like adding a new running back and finding a more talented offensive lineman. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Jones’ extension from 2024Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) takes the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Chris Jones is the defensive anchor for the Chiefs, but his $158.75 million contract extension, which he signed in the 2024 NFL season, is hurting the team from signing strong Pro Bowl-caliber safeties, as the team has to deal with his $44.85 million cap charge. Cutting or trading Jones won’t help, as the Chiefs would take a $64 million dead cap hit, which would further prevent them from building long-term success.  Regardless, the Chiefs will find a way to be successful in the 2026 season.  Las Vegas Raiders: Signing Tyler LinderbaumJun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The Raiders made a huge splash in free agency, signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal to bolster their offensive line for either Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza. However, critics say the Raiders overpaid for Linderbaum, and his contract occupies about 8.5 percent of the 2026 salary cap, as the contract looks to be overpay, when they could’ve signed him for a bit less.  Los Angeles Chargers: Signing Charlie KolarMay 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar at press confernce during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Looking to add more pass-catchers, the Chargers signed Charlie Kolar to a three-year, $24.3 million contract, even though his statistical numbers have been pretty low in the few seasons he’s been in the NFL. Kolar is more of a run-blocker, as he provides little to the passing attack. Kolar scored two touchdowns with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. The Chargers did sign David Njoku to a one-year deal, and he put up better numbers than Kolar did.  Los Angeles Rams: Davante Adams’ two-year deal from 2025Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during pregame warm ups before the NFC Wild Card Round game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Adams is a talented game-changing wide receiver who puts it all on the line. However, he’ll be 34 by the end of the 2026 season, and the team will take a $28 million cap hit from his two-year deal, making him the second-highest-paid player on the roster, even if he remains productive. The Rams could’ve used some of the money in Adams’ contract to sign some younger Pro Bowl-caliber receivers who are just getting into their prime or already in their prime.  Miami Dolphins: Signing Malik WillisOct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images After the Dolphins took on the cap hits from Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, and Tyreek Hill, they decided to sign Malik Willis to a three-year, $67 million deal, which is a lot for a guy who was a backup quarterback. Sure, Willis will be coached by former Packers head coach Jeff Hafley and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but he remains unproven and has had limited success, which will very likely not be replicated in “South Beach.” Minnesota Vikings: T.J. Hockenson’s contractNov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) lines up before the play during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Hockenson signed a four-year, $63.5 million extension during the 2023 season and has seen a decline in production since then. Injuries have affected Hockenson’s performance in recent years, and he has not had a season where he topped 900 yards since 2023. The Vikings restructured his contract, which lowered the cap number to $5 million. The deal remains to be a massive financial commitment for a guy whose production has dipped. New England Patriots: Signing Julian HillJan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The Patriots didn’t spend much on Julian Hill, as he signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the team during the 2026 offseason. However, they’re paying a decent amount to a guy whose more of a blocker than a pass catcher. Hill hasn’t scored a touchdown in the regular season yet, and critics have said this is overpay for the Pats and that Hill’s performance is inconsistent and he has drawn numerous penalties in the league. New Orleans Saints: Chase Young’s $51 million dealDec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) looks up at fans before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Young signed a massive three-year, $51 million contract with the Saints in the 2025 offseason, but it’s still a risky deal, as Young has had injury problems throughout his NFL career. Young missed the first three games of the 2025 season with a calf injury, but had 10 sacks to end the year. On top of that, the deal has a cap hit of $9.6 million, which could be used on other defensive talent who can prove to stay healthy. New York Giants: Darius Slayton’s contractDec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King (32) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the G-Men in the 2025 offseason, and he has not lived up to expectations, catching 37 receptions for 538 yards and scoring four touchdowns in 2025. Slayton hasn’t had a season where he’s topped 700 yards since 2023, and the Giants would have a $15.9 million cap hit if they chose to release him, making things tougher to sign younger talent.  New York Jets: Garrett Wilson’s $130 Million ExtensionNew York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) warms upon before an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Wilson’s four-year, $130 million extension, which he signed back in the 2025 offseason, has proven to be disappointing so far, as he underperformed in the 2025 regular season, catching 36 receptions for 395 yards and didn’t score any touchdowns.  On top of that, Wilson was on injured reserve due to a knee sprain, and the huge contract limits the Jets from signing additional significant holes on the roster for the upcoming season. Philadelphia Eagles: A. J. Brown’s contractPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images) Brown was frustrated with the Eagles during the 2025 season and will likely be traded out of Philadelphia before the start of the upcoming regular season, even though he signed a $96 million extension in 2024.  However, trading Brown away leaves the Eagles with $16 million in dead cap money if the team trades him after June 1. Still, over $16 million is a financial loss for the Eagles, which hurts their ability to sign for other needs.  Pittsburgh Steelers: T. J. Watt’s $123 million extensionOct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) salutes the crowd after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Watt signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension in the 2025 NFL offseason, which has a cap hit of around $42 million, making for a massive financial commitment for a guy whose stats have declined in recent years, making him one of the most overpaid Steelers. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk’s extensionSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Ayiuk originally signed a four-year, $120 million extension and suffered a torn MCL and ACL that year. Then, he was placed on the PUP list and later on the reserve/left squad list. The contract is disastrous for the team, as it leaves them handcuffed to a $29 million dead cap money, but could be split to $13.35 million in 2026 and $21.247 in 2027 if Aiyuk is traded or released after June 1. Seattle Seahawks: Rashid Shaheed’s extensionRashid Shaheed. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Although Shaheed is a special teams player, he signed a $51 million extension during the offseason, which is a lot for a guy with low-volume offense, and limits the team from paying core players to stick around or acquiring new talent.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cade Otton’s extensionNov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) runs for a gain during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Otton recently signed a three-year, $30 million extension with the Bucs, and is looking questionable as his receiving productivity doesn’t reflect the value of the contract, as he’s not an elite receiving tight end in the NFL.  Tennessee Titans: Alontae Taylor’s contractJun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) looks on during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Taylor signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Titans, which many are considering to be one of the worst during the offseason because of his high touchdown allowance in previous years, giving up 14 touchdowns in the last two seasons.  Washington Commanders: Overpaying for Odafe OwehOct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates with fans after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Oweh signed a huge four-year, $100 million deal with the Commanders after a decent season with the Chargers. However, many have called the signing one of the worst contract situations in the league, as the Commanders likely overpaid for Oweh’s services, as he had one double-digit sack season back in 2024.