The NFL’s salary cap after a season that was played mostly in stadiums without fans would always be an issue. A number that tends to rise by about $ 10 million each year will more than likely fall and lead to cracking salary limits for a number of teams. While the league and the NFL Player’s Association agreed on a cap of $ 175 million – about $ 23 million below $ 198.1 million in 2020.
However, there could be good news on the financial front for teams with little money. NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said in a press conference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Sunday that he expects the limit to be above the agreed-upon floor.
This is consistent with an earlier report by Pelissero, in which he indicated that owners were optimistic that the cap would be closer to $ 185 million.
While that’s still a hefty drop from the previous season, an extra $ 10 million is significant for a team like the 49ers that has over 40 players due to hit free agency and a few key starters to try to pull back.
Over the Cap, the 49ers has planned for $ 9,540,669 in cap room when the cap hits $ 176 million. That means they would be $ 18,540,669 if the number gets to $ 185 million. Just over $ 18 million in room isn’t an astronomical figure, but it certainly gives them the extra flexibility they need.
General manager John Lynch told reporters during his press conference at the end of his season that the team was working as if the salary ceiling was going to hit the floor.
“We’re operating under the floor premise, which is 175 (million dollars),” Lynch said in a video conference Jan. 4. “We felt that it was best to operate on that and formulate our plans based on that. If there’s anything on top, that’s gravy for us. “
There are plenty of ways to maneuver and manipulate the cap so that by the time the dust settles, San Francisco should have plenty of room to fill in their grate relatively comfortably. However, if the number stays around that $ 175 million, it means the 49ers have a few more tough financial decisions to make.