We look at NFL salaries and expiring contracts in 2026, in the NFC. As NFL teams prepare for the 2026 season, players in the last year of their contracts are eyeing their next contract. For some, this means perhaps playing one more year (Aaron Rodgers), or players on their rookie contract, looking to cash in on a big free agency payday (Devone Achane).
NFL Salaries: Expiring Contracts in the AFC
2026 NFL Salaries: Expiring Contracts in the AFC East
Buffalo has just over $5.4 million committed to players with expiring contracts in 2027, easily the least in the AFC. After Miami cut ties with multiple veterans this offseason, the Dolphins have over $29 million in contracts expiring this season. Miami has big decisions to make over the next season, as standout running back Devon Achane is due for a big raise from his $1.3 million deal.
| O’Cyrus Torrence | G | Buffalo Bills | $1,555,245 |
| Dorian Williams | LB | Buffalo Bills | $1,368,202 |
| Ty Johnson | RB | Buffalo Bills | $2,500,000 |
| Total | * | Buffalo Bills | $5,423,447 |
The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 season in good shape, with just three players on expiring contracts. The flexibility allows Buffalo to extend contracts of players in Josh Allen’s supporting cast. What is around the corner for Buffalo?
| Jordyn Brooks | LB | Miami Dolphins | $8,750,000 |
| Aaron Brewer | C | Miami Dolphins | $7,000,000 |
| Julius Brents | CB | Miami Dolphins | $2,049,234 |
| Austin Jackson | RT | Miami Dolphins | $7,000,000 |
| Tyrel Dodson | LB | Miami Dolphins | $3,125,000 |
| Devon Achane | RB | Miami Dolphins | $1,359,362 |
| Total | * | $29,283,596 |
The Miami Dolphins signed one player, Devon Achane, whose contract was expiring this season, and have two players, Austin Jackson and Jordyn Brooks, who can be next in line for new contracts or traded before the trade deadline.
Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft Grades
Dolphins, RB De'Von Achane agree to 4-year extension worth up to $68M. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/yQbdpBkC7K
— NFL (@NFL) May 13, 2026
| Mike Onwenu | RT | New England Patriots | $19,000,000 |
| Hunter Henry | TE | New England Patriots | $9,000,000 |
| Christian Elliss | ED | New England Patriots | $6,754,000 |
| Mack Hollins | WR | New England Patriots | $4,200,000 |
| Kevin Byard | S | New England Patriots | $7,000,000 |
| Total | * | New England Patriots | $45,954,000 |
The New England Patriots are in play for some big roster moves this season, as right tackle Mike Onwenu has an expiring contract and will be up for a hefty long-term contract. AJ Brown rumors persist, and the salary ramifications for obtaining Brown make this an intriguing situation worth following.
| Harrison Phillips | DL | New York Jets | $7,500,000 |
| Breece Hall | RB | New York Jets | $14,293,000 |
| Mazi Smith | DL | New York Jets | $3,318,674 |
| David Onyemata | ED | New York Jets | $10,500,000 |
| Kingsley Enagbare | ED | New York Jets | $9,000,000 |
| Joe Tippmann | C | New York Jets | $2,089,900 |
| Total | * | New York Jets | $46,701,574 |
The New York Jets recently inked Breece Hall to a three-year contract, but what is next? Are the Jets poised for a big turnaround this season? Are there more contract extensions coming?
NFL Salaries: Expiring Contracts in the AFC North
A pair of quarterbacks in the AFC North have lofty salaries in 2026, with neither likely to play for their teams in 2027. Deshaun Watson ($46 million) and Rodgers ($15 million) will be hard-pressed to gain a contract with any team beyond this season.
| Marlon Humphrey | CB | Baltimore Ravens | $19,500,000 |
| Broderick Washington | DL | Baltimore Ravens | $5,250,000 |
| Justice Hill | RB | Baltimore Ravens | $3,000,000 |
| Trenton Simpson | LB | Baltimore Ravens | $1,352,211 |
| Chidobe Awuzie | CB | Baltimore Ravens | $5,000,000 |
| Total | * | Baltimore Ravens | $34,102,211 |
The Ravens are still in the mix for Stefon Diggs, and despite their cap situation looking fine for now, Marlon Humphrey’s huge cap number for this season leads many to wonder if he will make it on the roster after June 1.
“Among slot defenders with at least 30 targets, he was third worst in coverage success rate.” – Marlon Humphrey …
Awuzie didn’t have to doesn’t mean he can’t .. Martin played well with the snaps he did play … Hamilton is the best Nickel … so go ahead keep movin the goalpost
— Jordan (@OnlyTheRavens) May 13, 2026
| Tedarrell Slaton | DL | Cincinnati Bengals | $7,050,000 |
| Myles Murphy | ED | Cincinnati Bengals | $3,146,816 |
| Daxton Hill | S | Cincinnati Bengals | $2,916,753 |
| Drew Sample | TE | Cincinnati Bengals | $3,500,000 |
| D.J. Turner | CB | Cincinnati Bengals | $1,540,011 |
| Joe Flacco | QB | Cincinnati Bengals | $6,000,000 |
| Cody Ford | G | Cincinnati Bengals | $3,000,000 |
| Ted Karras | C | Cincinnati Bengals | $6,000,000 |
| Jordan Battle | S | Cincinnati Bengals | $1,331,254 |
| Oren Burks | LB | Cincinnati Bengals | $2,500,000 |
| Total | * | Cincinnati Bengals | $36,984,834 |
The acquisition of Dexter Lawrence is a nice addition, and the draft shored up some holes. Could the Cincinnati Bengals have more work to do in bringing in free agents? Post-June 1 cap casualties could be targets of the Bengals, as they look to show Joe Burrow they will do what it takes to keep their window open.
| Deshaun Watson | QB | Cleveland Browns | $46,000,000 |
| Grant Delpit | S | Cleveland Browns | $12,000,000 |
| Maliek Collins | DL | Cleveland Browns | $10,000,000 |
| Cedric Tillman | WR | Cleveland Browns | $1,403,628 |
| Dawand Jones | RT | Cleveland Browns | $1,158,083 |
| Total | * | Cleveland Browns | $70,561,711 |
The Cleveland Browns have some big decisions to make, and how to handle Grant Delpit and Maliek Collins, both in the final year of their contracts, is front and center. The Eagles are rumored to be considering trading for Delpit, and Collins could be a post June 1 cut.
Browns, Vikings Connected in Latest Substantial Blockbuster $52 Million Trade
Howie Roseman hinted after the draft that the Eagles aren't done adding to the safety room.
If Philadelphia TRADES for a safety, Grant Delpit would be a great fit in Vic Fangio's defense & won't cost a ton to acquire. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/E76nVvYOLJ
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) May 13, 2026
| Patrick Queen | LB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $13,666,667 |
| Chris Boswell | K | Pittsburgh Steelers | $5,000,000 |
| Broderick Jones | RT | Pittsburgh Steelers | $4,156,588 |
| Aaron Rodgers | QB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $15,015,000 |
| Malik Harrison | LB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $5,000,000 |
| Joey Porter Jr. | CB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $2,404,586 |
| Mason Rudolph | QB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $3,750,000 |
| Keeanu Benton | DL | Pittsburgh Steelers | $1,833,281 |
| Brandin Echols | CB | Pittsburgh Steelers | $3,000,000 |
| Jaquan Brisker | S | Pittsburgh Steelers | $5,500,000 |
| Darnell Washington | TE | Pittsburgh Steelers | $1,338,477 |
| Total | * | Pittsburgh Steelers | $60,664,599 |
Now that Aaron Rodgers has announced he is not only returning for 2026 but that it will be his final season, the Pittsburgh Steelers not only have Rodgers’ $15+ million expiring, but linebacker Patrick Queen is earning $13.67 million in 2026. Will McQueen be given an extension? Become a cap casualty after June 1? Time will tell.
I asked All-Pro Linebacker Patrick Queen what makes it challenging to defend offensive duos like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in coverage. He gave player insight about this and more on The Fehoko Show last night if you missed it. https://t.co/5VVlBiRRjQ pic.twitter.com/i6o3ALXai6
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) May 12, 2026
NFL Salaries: Expiring Contracts in the AFC South
The Indianapolis Colts will have multiple key decisions to make after this season, with over $100 million committed in expiring contracts. Five players will earn at least $10 million this year for Indy, led by DeForest Buckner ($23 million) and Quenton Nelson ($20 million). Watch for Indianapolis to look into extending as many key pieces this season to ease their salary cap challenges for 2027.
| Davis Mills | QB | Houston Texans | $7,000,000 |
| Tremon Smith | CB | Houston Texans | $3,250,000 |
| Tank Dell | WR | Houston Texans | $1,422,276 |
| Trenton Brown | RT | Houston Texans | $5,500,000 |
| Justin Watson | WR | Houston Texans | $2,500,000 |
| Jake Andrews | C | Houston Texans | $1,162,086 |
| Dylan Horton | ED | Houston Texans | $1,160,259 |
| Total | * | Houston Texans | $21,994,621 |
Key players entering the final year of their contract include tackle Trenton Brown and center Jake Andrews. Can the Houston Texans sign either or both to long-term contracts?
Commanders, Texans Fighting Over Same Free Agent
| Quenton Nelson | G | Indianapolis Colts | $20,000,000 |
| DeForest Buckner | DL | Indianapolis Colts | $23,000,000 |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | Indianapolis Colts | $14,000,000 |
| Grover Stewart | DL | Indianapolis Colts | $13,000,000 |
| Anthony Richardson | QB | Indianapolis Colts | $8,498,508 |
| Kenny Moore | CB | Indianapolis Colts | $10,000,000 |
| Rigoberto Sanchez | P | Indianapolis Colts | $2,500,000 |
| Ashton Dulin | WR | Indianapolis Colts | $3,250,000 |
| Josh Downs | WR | Indianapolis Colts | $1,380,115 |
| Mekhi Blackmon | CB | Indianapolis Colts | $1,326,021 |
| Blake Freeland | RT | Indianapolis Colts | $1,163,970 |
| Adetomiwa Adebawore | DL | Indianapolis Colts | $1,159,227 |
| Colby Wooden | ED | Indianapolis Colts | $1,151,982 |
| Total | * | Indianapolis Colts | $100,429,823 |
The Indianapolis Colts have an incredible $100 million in NFL salaries, expiring contracts at the end of this season, with some huge decisions to make. The top three, Quenton Nelson, Jonathan Taylor, and Brentson Buckner, have a combined $57 million in salary cap dollars allocated for this season. Which possible free agents can the Colts extend this season? The Colts can’t afford to let Nelson become a free agent, and Taylor has to be a huge priority as well. If either hit the open market, they are as good as gone.
Quenton Nelson is simply one of the best in the league 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/j6Z0xtDQuP
— In Good Company with Mitch Morse (@IGCwithMitch) May 13, 2026
| Arik Armstead | ED | Jacksonville Jaguars | $14,500,000 |
| DaVon Hamilton | DL | Jacksonville Jaguars | $11,500,000 |
| Ezra Cleveland | G | Jacksonville Jaguars | $8,000,000 |
| Chuma Edoga | LT | Jacksonville Jaguars | $3,500,000 |
| Brenton Strange | TE | Jacksonville Jaguars | $1,528,583 |
| Ross Matiscik | LS | Jacksonville Jaguars | $1,267,500 |
| Hunter Long | TE | Jacksonville Jaguars | $2,500,000 |
| Ventrell Miller | LB | Jacksonville Jaguars | $1,144,234 |
| Total | * | Jacksonville Jaguars | $43,940,317 |
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a trio of players earning a combined $34 million this season: Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, and Ezra Cleveland have big cap numbers. Do the Jags decide to ink any of the three to long-term contracts?
| Tony Pollard | RB | Tennessee Titans | $7,250,000 |
| Jermaine Johnson | DL | Tennessee Titans | $3,271,861 |
| Will Levis | QB | Tennessee Titans | $2,385,541 |
| Solomon Thomas | DL | Tennessee Titans | $3,000,000 |
| Tyjae Spears | RB | Tennessee Titans | $1,372,654 |
| Total | * | Tennessee Titans | $17,280,056 |
Tony Pollard’s days with the Tennessee Titans may be numbered past this season. Do the Titans keep Pollard around with draftee Nic Singleton from Penn State looking like he can be an RB1?
NFL Salaries: Expiring Contracts in the AFC West
The Chargers have two players, Khalil Mack and Derwin James, making a combined $37 million this year. Both will need to convince management they deserve an extension, or San Diego will cut ties after the season.
| Evan Engram | TE | Denver Broncos | $11,500,000 |
| Brandon Jones | S | Denver Broncos | $6,666,667 |
| Ben Powers | G | Denver Broncos | $13,000,000 |
| Jarrett Stidham | QB | Denver Broncos | $6,000,000 |
| Marvin Mims | WR | Denver Broncos | $1,517,159 |
| Ja’Quan McMillian | CB | Denver Broncos | $5,767,000 |
| Drew Sanders | LB | Denver Broncos | $1,433,682 |
| Riley Moss | CB | Denver Broncos | $1,361,872 |
| Jack Campbell | LB | Denver Broncos | $3,680,501 |
| Total | $50,926,881 |
What do the Denver Broncos do with the players in the final season of their contract? Engram is a potential cut or trade candidate, with Ben Powers and Marvin Mims (just 23 years old) looming as priorities to extend before free agency. Does the arrival of Jaylen Waddle impact how the Broncos address expiring contracts?
I Don’t Know What Can Happen: Broncos WR Open to Extension, Could Fear Stunning Trade
| Justin Fields | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | $20,000,000 |
| Jaylon Moore | LT | Kansas City Chiefs | $15,000,000 |
| Kristian Fulton | CB | Kansas City Chiefs | $10,000,000 |
| Felix Anudike-Uzomah | ED | Kansas City Chiefs | $2,954,454 |
| Rashee Rice | WR | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,623,802 |
| Wanya Morris | LT | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,342,089 |
| Chamarri Conner | CB | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,147,842 |
| Total | * | Kansas City Chiefs | $52,068,187 |
The big cap number for Justin Fields, brought in as insurance on Patrick Mahomes being ready to start the season, is huge. What if the Kansas City Chiefs find another quarterback to hit the market after June 1, or if Mahomes is ready to start the season? Watch out for a Fields release. Jaylon Moore and Kristian Fulton have huge cap numbers. Do the Chiefs extend either before the start of free agency?
Can the Chiefs SURVIVE With Jaylon Moore? Offensive Line Needs to Focus on its Strengths! https://t.co/0ADD3V2iiu pic.twitter.com/1Vn0hwu4OU
— Ryan Tracy – Consultant, Content Creator (@RyanTracyNFL) May 12, 2026
| Derwin James | S | Los Angeles Chargers | $19,133,000 |
| Khalil Mack | ED | Los Angeles Chargers | $18,000,000 |
| Donte Jackson | CB | Los Angeles Chargers | $6,500,000 |
| Tuli Tuipulotu | ED | Los Angeles Chargers | $1,642,846 |
| Dalvin Tomlinson | DL | Los Angeles Chargers | $6,200,000 |
| JK Scott | P | Los Angeles Chargers | $3,000,000 |
| Bud Dupree | ED | Los Angeles Chargers | $6,000,000 |
| Troy Dye | LB | Los Angeles Chargers | $2,750,000 |
| Daiyan Henley | LB | Los Angeles Chargers | $1,355,105 |
| Total | * | Los Angeles Chargers | $64,580,951 |
Derwin James wants to finish his career as a Charger. Khalil Mack is making $18 million. Will the Los Angeles Chargers sign either or both to team-friendly cap extensions?
🚨🚨HEARTWARMING VIDEO🚨🚨
Los Angeles #Chargers superstar safety Derwin James called a 75-year-old season-ticket member to thank her for her support.
Derwin made her a day by spending time with her on FaceTime.
This is extremely special.
🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/8HaNBeS6J2
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) May 7, 2026
| Jeremy Chinn | S | Las Vegas Raiders | $8,129,000 |
| Malcolm Koonce | ED | Las Vegas Raiders | $11,010,000 |
| Michael Mayer | TE | Las Vegas Raiders | $2,328,411 |
| Isaiah Pola-Mao | S | Las Vegas Raiders | $3,725,000 |
| Tre Tucker | WR | Las Vegas Raiders | $1,326,021 |
| Total | * | Las Vegas Raiders | $26,518,432 |
The Las Vegas Raiders spent a ton of money in free agency, $285.1 million, and now can look to lock up key pending free agents Malcolm Koonce and Isaiah Pola-Mao.
Raiders’ additions today:
🏈C Tyler Linderbaum: 3-years, $81M
🏈LB Quay Walker: 3-years, $40.5M
🏈LB Nakobe Dean: 3-years, $36M
🏈WR Jalen Nailor: 3-years, $35M
🏈Kwity Paye: 3-years, $48M
🏈CB Eric Stokes: 3-years, $30M
🏈DE Malcolm Koonce: 1-year, $11M
🏈Trade for CB Taron… https://t.co/CIAPDjQNyY— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
All Data Provided by Spotrac.com
Main Image: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
