The COVID-19 pandemic has forced cuts in all facets of life, and the National Football League was no different on Wednesday when league officials notified teams of the 2021 line: $182.5 million.

It's an 8% decrease from the 2020 campaign, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, that falls in line with a 92% reduction in attendance due to social distancing protocols.

Though hardly unexpected, the tight squeeze will force several teams across the league to make some incredibly difficult roster decisions in the coming days to get under the cap — and all while trying to remain competitive in a parity-driven league.

It also means teams with plenty-o'-cash (hello Jacksonville, New England, and the New York Jets) could be in on a glutton of guys.

Los Angeles Rams (2020 record: 10-6; -$41.05 million per Spotrac.com)

Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in an unfortunate position heading into the 2021 offseason with the release of the salary cap number. Currently one of the youngest teams in the league (avg. age: 25.78, seventh), they're also the most expensive squad on the NFL books for this fiscal calendar — thanks to the $27.9 million (rightfully) owed to DT Aaron Donald, the $22.5 million owed for DB Jalen Ramsey, and the $20 million owed to new starting QB and former Detroit Lions star Matthew Stafford.

Those three players alone total up 37.6% of LA's available cash, and there are 61 other players on the active roster. Tack on the dead money of former LA QB Jared Goff, north of $22 million, and it all hurts.

Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe suggests veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth, 40, could be in the twilight of his career — and his retirement or cut could save the team approximately $2-6 million.

USA Today Rams Wire's Cameron DaSilva has ideas, as well, beginning with significant restructures of both Donald and Ramsey's contracts.

Three things are absolutely certain (and obvious): Donald, Ramsey, and Stafford aren't going anywhere. It's the pieces around them that will take some finagling.

Philadelphia Eagles (2020 record: 4-11-1; -$38.9 million per Spotrac.com)

Former University of Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts is clearly a cheaper option ($1.37 million) than former North Dakota State ace Carson Wentz ($25.4 million) — now off to new beginnings with the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South.

But the Eagles need to find some way to pinch some pennies heading into the fall of 2021, with DT Fletcher Cox, DE Brandon Graham, RT Lane Johnson, DT Javon Hargrave, G Brandon Brooks, TE Zach Ertz, and DE Derek Barnett all commanding between $10-23 million.

Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the cap issue for the Eagles might not be as dire as perceived, with WR Alshon Jeffery and DT Malik Jackson likely on the road to elsewhere after nabbing restructured contracts. Ertz is also entering the final year of his contract, and if he's on the move like many believe he will be, then the Eagles could be comfortable near the cap line.

From former Eagles president Joe Banner to Domowitch on Feb. 25:

“Once you’re down to $20 million, you can give Graham an extension, you can restructure Cox, you can move on from Ertz, and you’re almost there. And you haven’t done anything all that damaging, even to the short-term.”

In the long-term, however, Philadelphia needs to find some money for Hurts — whether it's for his contract, or for some supporting pieces on the offense.

New Orleans Saints (2020 record: 12-4; -$33.6 million per Spotrac.com)

In a signal he's contemplating retirement, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees has already committed to reducing his base salary for the 2021 season to $1.08 million — a sure-fire way to help the Saints save a buck or two down the road.

New Orleans also opted to plant the franchise tag on S Marcus Williams, keeping him off the market for at least one more season while Saints upper management tries to balance the budget.

Earlier today, ESPN's Mike Triplett reported the release of veteran WR Emmanuel Sanders, which will save the team no less than $4 million.

But $33.6 million is a lot of ground to make up between now and June 1, and some tough decisions have already been made with the cut of TE Josh Hill, P Thomas Morstead, and OL Nick Easton.

Where else can the Saints slice? WR Michael Thomas, QB Taysom Hill, LT Terron Armstead, DB Janoris Jenkins, RT Ryan Ramczyk, DB Marshon Lattimore, and DE Cameron Jordan all make between $9-18 million this upcoming season, and together comprise more than 51% of the team's cap percentage in 2021.

CBS Sports analyst and former sports agent Joel Corry notes the Saints could find green in restructures with Jordan, Thomas, G Andrus Peat, Ramczyk, and possibly Lattimore, which could provide considerable savings for the defending NFC South champions.

According to NFL Network, LB Kwon Alexander is also expected to be released — saving the Saints nearly $13 million:

Other teams in trouble:

  • Kansas City Chiefs (-$25.2 million)
  • Chicago Bears (-$23.2 million)
  • Atlanta Falcons (-$14.4 million)
  • Green Bay Packers (-$13.6 million)
  • Minnesota Vikings (-$7.3 million)