What happened: A player's full-season salary moves to the acquiring team's cap sheet, limiting workable midseason swaps. Both teams must exchange an asset and remain within roster rules.
Why it matters: The hard cap leaves little room to absorb contracts without matching roster math. Sunday is the final opportunity to reshape teams before the playoffs begin Sept. 27.
By the numbers: The 2026 salary cap is $7 million. Teams must carry 12 standard players and may add two developmental players who do not count against the cap.
What to watch: Watch for completed transactions before the 3 p.m. ET cutoff.