Things are settling well for an extended 49ers run over the NFC.
They made it to the Super Bowl last season, and it’s likely that many of their top competitors will soon find it difficult to maintain their status. While a significant drop in the NFL salary cap, which seems pretty likely due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the league, would negatively impact all teams, some will inevitably be affected more than others.
As it happens, some of the teams that are most likely to get caught between a rock and a tough spot are currently seen as the most likely to topple the 49ers from the top of the conference.
The Dallas Cowboys’ series of contractual decisions looks like it will put them in a precarious financial position when it comes to the 2021 salary cap. But if you think the Cowboys are in a tough spot, just wait until you see the forecast for the Philadelphia Eagles. and the New Orleans Saints.
Teams with the most money already committed to the 2021 salary cap:
1. Eagles: $ 267.3M
2. Santos: $ 250.1M
3. Falcons: $ 214.9M
4. Bosses: $ 200.7M
5. Texans: $ 197.5M– Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 17, 2020
According to FoxBet, San Francisco (+460) is a slight favorite to win the NFC next season, although the Saints (+575) are not far behind. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the third-best odds in the conference, and the Cowboys (+750) and Eagles (+1000) are fourth and fifth, respectively.
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The salary cap, which only features a team’s top 51 salaries, is set at $ 198 million for the upcoming 2020 season. Even if the cap remains flat for 2021, which seems to be the most optimistic of possibilities, all three Cowboys, Saints and Eagles will face a harsh reality, increasingly in that order. And if the 2021 limit falls, your difficulties will be exacerbated.
Dallas appears to have been short-sighted in its negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott, whose desired long-term contract will likely only be more expensive next offseason than the team had addressed prior to Wednesday’s franchise deadline. Regardless, we can assume that the Cowboys currently have around $ 210 million in capitalization obligations for the 2021 season, according to Over The Cap.
The Cowboys will carry more than $ 10 million in space for next season, so if the limit stays flat, they’re currently rubbing against it. The Saints and Eagles, however, are well above the line, as both teams clearly trusted what an anticipated raise was.
New Orleans currently has $ 249 million in capitalization liabilities for the 2021 season, which does not include running back Alvin Kamara, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. Either way he cuts it, the Saints will have to find a way to cut costs. It will be difficult to do without cutting some of your top players or trading them for pennies on the dollar.
Consequently, the New Orleans list could be seen much different next year than last seasons. Quarterback Drew Brees has a huge hit of $ 36.1 million in 2021, though his contract is not guaranteed. However, if the Saints cut Brees, they will only create an additional $ 13.5 million in capitalization savings while incurring more than $ 22 million in dead money.
All indications are that Taysom Hill will be the Saints’ starting quarterback in 2021, and even then, larger salaries will have to be paid. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if standout defensive end Cameron Jordan and starting left tackle Terron Armstead have to play elsewhere. The Saints could also be forced to make tough decisions about cornerback Marshon Lattimore and starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk.
And remember, for every wage cut, another, albeit less expensive, takes its place.
Still, with clever boundary management, New Orleans could theoretically retain the core of its list of contenders (minus Brees). But it’s hard to imagine it being as stacked as it was in 2020.
As for the Eagles, well, they are doomed.
They already have a staggering $ 265 million in cap liabilities by 2021, and it will be much more difficult for them to remain competitive while cutting costs. Of the Eagles’ nine most expensive top 2021 hit hits, each would create at least $ 10.6 million in dead cap if released, meaning savings will be minimized. Still, some of those players will have to leave.
Catchers Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and former 49er Marquise Goodwin are gone. Cutting those three would create an additional $ 20 million space, still not enough.
Tight end Zach Ertz would appear to be one of the most likely casualties, particularly given that Dallas Goedert plays the same position. Fletcher Cox is one of the best defensive tackles in the league, but he might also have to leave. Cutting those two, who were Pro Bowl picks last season, would create an additional $ 12 million space.
You understand.
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While the 49ers will certainly feel a squeeze if the cap drops, they are much better prepared. They currently have $ 170 million in capitalization obligations by 2021, and while several key players are due to free agency, the 49ers can create additional space by cutting players that may not be essential to their future success.
The Cowboys, Saints and Eagles, not to mention the Bucs and Seattle Seahawks, certainly seem to be competing with the 49ers in 2020. But next season, the pack should dwindle, and while new threats will surely emerge, San Francisco has a much better chance. of staying on top of the conference than most of the other current NFC contenders.