Things are working out well for the 49ers to have a long career in the NFC.
They made it to the Super Bowl last year, and many of San Francisco’s top competitors are likely to have a hard time maintaining their status soon. While a significant drop in the salary cap, which seems quite likely due to the coronavirus pandemic, would adversely affect all teams, some will inevitably suffer more than others.
As it happens, some of the teams most likely to get caught between a rock and a tough spot as a result of the league’s unexpected loss of revenue are the ones currently considered 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, while 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 the 2021 season, which appears to be the most optimistic of possibilities, The 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 probably only be more expensive next offseason than if the team had addressed it before 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.
Dallas will carry more than $ 10 million in salary cap space for next season, so if the cap remains stable, the Cowboys are currently facing off. 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 New Orleans’ starting quarterback in 2021, and even then, larger salaries will have to be paid. It wouldn’t be surprising if standout defensive end Cameron Jordan and starting left tackle Terron Armstead were playing 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.
Philly already has a staggering $ 265 million in cap liabilities by 2021, and will have a harder time staying competitive while cutting costs. Of the Eagles’ nine most expensive 2021 cap hits, each would create at least $ 10.6 million in dead cap if released, meaning that cap 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. San Francisco currently has $ 170 million in capitalization liabilities for the 2021 season, and while several key players are due to free agency, the 49ers can create additional capitalization space by reducing players who may not be essential to their success. in the future.
The Cowboys, Saints and Eagles, not to mention the Bucs and Seattle Seahawks, certainly seem to compete with the 49ers in 2020. But next season, the pack should weaken, and while new threats will surely emerge, San Francisco has much better. Ability to stay on top of the conference than most other current NFC contenders.
