Patriots: Bill Belichick somehow has team in tremendous position for 2021 salary cap

The Patriots are in great position even if the 2021 salary cap drops.

The financial crisis induced by the global pandemic will extend to the NFL as reports indicate that the 2021 salary cap could potentially plummet to $175 million with a maximum value set at $198 million, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.

Ironically enough, the Patriots are one of the few teams that — despite their severe limitations this past season — won’t be bothered by the likely reduction.

While the Saints and Eagles are two of the most obvious teams that need to worry about getting under the cap, New England is somehow positioned perfectly to make a few splashes next offseason.

As of this writing, the Patriots, even after the signing of free agent quarterback Cam Newton, have just $124 million pledged to 55 players for the 2021 season. This would result in the franchise having approximately $45 million to use to further bolster its roster when the time comes.

If this isn’t a testament to the brilliance of general manger Bill Belichick, then we don’t know what is. New England’s financial situation was among the worst in the NFL last season and the domino effect resulted in them being unable to extend stud offensive lineman Joe Thuney.

Instead, the former third-round pick was hit with the franchise tag and now the organization has no idea what to do with him with free agency looming after the 2020 campaign.

On top of that, the cap predicament also prevented the Patriots from equipping Tom Brady with better weapons.

We all know that the Patriots have mastered the art of exploiting the league salary cap. However, to think that they won’t have any headaches in 2021 even if the cap drops by over $20 million per franchise is just ridiculous.

If nothing else, this just confirms that New England is always two or three steps ahead of the rest of the NFL…even when they seemed cornered with no loophole to cash in on.