Unlocking $38 million+ in cap space, San Francisco eyes strategic moves. Will Trent Williams or Nick Bosa's contracts fuel their offseason spending spree?
The NFL officially set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million per team, continuing the league’s rapid financial growth.
That’s up from $279.2 million in 2025 which is a sizable year-over-year jump and for the San Francisco 49ers, it means flexibility.
According to OverTheCap projections, the 49ers are expected to enter the offseason with roughly $38–40 million in available cap space, with room to create significantly more depending on how they structure upcoming decisions.
Cap Growth Continues
Earlier in the offseason, reports indicated the cap would fall somewhere between $301 million and $305 million. It ultimately landed on the lower end of that projection, but the increase still represents nearly an eight percent rise from last season.
The trend has been consistent. In 2025, the cap jumped far beyond early expectations, settling at $279.2 million after initial projections were closer to the $265–275 million range.
For contenders like San Francisco, rising caps are almost a must need.
The Trent Williams Lever
The easiest way for the 49ers to create additional space remains tied to Trent Williams.
Williams is currently scheduled to carry a cap hit just under $39 million in 2026, the final year of his deal. A restructure or short-term extension would almost certainly lower that number and free up immediate flexibility.
Recent reporting suggested there were ongoing negotiations between the two sides. However, general manager John Lynch expressed confidence at the NFL Combine that conversations have been productive.
If a deal gets done, it could quickly push San Francisco’s cap space north of $50 million.
The Nick Bosa Factor
Another potential cap lever sits with Nick Bosa.
Bosa is slated to carry a $41.6 million cap hit in 2026, with that number ballooning to over $52 million in 2027. The 49ers have yet to restructure his five-year, $170 million extension signed in 2023.
Converting salary to bonus and spreading money into future years could provide short-term relief, though it would commit additional guarantees down the line.
San Francisco has traditionally been aggressive when needed. The question is whether they want to push money forward or maintain flexibility.
The Core Is Locked In
The encouraging part for San Francisco? The heavy lifting is largely done.
The franchise already has long-term deals in place for:
- Brock Purdy
- Fred Warner
- George Kittle
- Christian McCaffrey
- Deommodore Lenoir
- Colton McKivitz
With most of the core secured beyond 2026, the 49ers aren’t staring down a wave of urgent mega extensions.
That gives them optionality.
How Aggressive Will They Be?
The rising cap gives San Francisco breathing room, but it doesn’t automatically mean a spending spree.
The 49ers spent heavily last offseason to lock in foundational pieces. Now, the strategy may shift toward selective additions rather than splashy headlines.
Still, nearly $40 million in cap space and other ways provides the flexibility needed to address holes, retain priority free agents, and potentially maneuver in the trade market.
The cap keeps rising and for the 49ers that’s exactly the kind of news you want heading into March.