The NFL's salary cap for the 2021 season is expected to be set at roughly $180 million to $181 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It was expected to drop more - most projected a $175-million cap - due to revenue losses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, added Schefter. The 2020 cap was $198.2 million.
The NFL isn't expected to release the exact number until March, with the new league year beginning March 17.
A steep drop could lead to an increase in veteran cuts around the league as teams attempt to get below the $180-million figure.
The New Orleans Saints (salary commitment of $259 million), Philadelphia Eagles ($252 million), Pittsburgh Steelers ($216 million), Green Bay Packers ($212 million), and Atlanta Falcons ($206 million) face the toughest cap challenges, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
The NFL's salary cap has increased by more than $10 million in each of the last seven seasons.
