Though the NFL is marching forward as though there will be a 2020 season, there’s no denying it’s not going to be standard operating procedure as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic.
The Baltimore Ravens and several other teams have already announced significantly reduced attendance — if fans will be allowed in the stands at all. While a good chunk of the money the NFL makes comes from television contracts, the loss of stadium revenue is destined to hurt projections and subsequently the salary cap.
The NFL and NFLPA have been negotiating ahead of the start of training camp, with the financials being one of the final sticking points. The NFL recently proposed a minimum 2021 salary cap of just $175 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Considering the current salary cap is $198.2 million and was expected to explode under the new CBA, that would be a pretty massive reduction for teams and players to figure out.
According to Over The Cap, the Ravens are currently on the hook for $151.5 million next season with their current contracts. That would leave them roughly $23.5 million available under the newly proposed salary cap, which would be the eighth-most in the NFL. When factoring in any potential carryover from the 2020 salary cap, Baltimore would have nearly $31 million, according to OTC. Currently, eight teams are set to actually have negative cap space, helping put Baltimore’s situation into a more positive context.
While Baltimore being one of the few teams with some cap space next season is a positive, the Ravens have some big contracts to sign, turning that optimism into outright fear in the blink of an eye.
Baltimore used the franchise tag on outside linebacker Matthew Judon this offseason, ultimately pushing further negotiations until next year after missing the contract extension deadline in July. The Ravens also have left tackle Ronnie Stanley set to hit free agency next offseason. As arguably the best tackle in the game right now, Stanley has a pretty clear case for a record-breaking contract extension. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey will also be on his fifth-year option, costing Baltimore a projected $10.24 million, according to OTC. The Ravens also have guys like wide receiver Willie Snead and outside linebacker Tyus Bowser hitting free agency next offseason as well. Just one or two of these big names needing new deals could easily tap Baltimore’s limited cap space, much less all of them combined.
Baltimore would have some options available to them if the salary cap does indeed plummet to $175 million in 2021. The Ravens could cut some players in order to free up cap space next offseason if they wish. Players like safety Earl Thomas, running back Mark Ingram, and defensive tackle Brandon Williams could be easy cap casualties, freeing up a combined $20.5 million if cut. That would potentially ease the financial burden, but cutting starters means Baltimore would have to have replacements for those players, something that’s far easier said than done.
Though the Ravens aren’t in the worst shape in 2021 under the proposed salary cap, the loss of revenue from the pandemic could put a serious damper on what was expected to be an outstanding offseason for Baltimore.
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