Salary cap could be 'down anywhere between $30M to $80M in '21'

Things could drastically change for the NFL if fans are unable to attend league events this year. Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

NFL's 2021 salary cap could take major hit if games are played without fans

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/5/20

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't yet directly affected the NFL. Free agents signed contracts beginning in March. The 2020 NFL Draft went on as scheduled but as a virtual experience to prevent a large gathering of people. On Thursday, the league will release a full 17-week schedule set to begin in September.

Things could drastically change for the NFL if fans are unable to attend league events this year.

On Monday, Albert Breer of MMQB wrote NFL clubs could lose up to $100 million apiece in local revenue if spectators are not allowed to attend games because of the virus outbreak. The next day, ESPN's Adam Schefter explained closed-door games could drastically alter the league's salary cap during an appearance on the "MySportsUpdate" podcast:

Something to monitor: The salary cap in 2021 could potentially take a massive hit due to COVID-19. "The various estimates I've gotten from executives to owners is that the cap could be down anywhere $30M to $80M in 2021" — @AdamSchefter

Full episode https://t.co/yWz44h3j8C pic.twitter.com/FPI0fq9Prn
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) May 5, 2020

Back on March 15, the NFL announced the salary cap for 2020 increased from $188.2 million per club for 2019 to $198.2 million.

According to Spotrac, the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons currently have the least amount of cap space with which to work for 2021, not accounting for any projected reductions. Situations will, of course, change over the next 12 months due to cuts, trades and retirements.

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