This will benefit the owners in one sense. We have to remember the greatly reduced revenues and extra expense that owners have had because of Covid. But it will somewhat reset the bar on contracts at least for the middle grade of FAs.
However, every team still has to fill a roster. And vets, especially, that have enjoyed such high pay, are in some cases going to find themselves on the outside looking in. They will have a choice. Take less and play. Don't take less and retire. Don't take less and sit out the 2021 season. None of these are attractive, but that's about it.
I suspect it'll behoove teams and players to restructure to push some money of current players out to the future. Some players will be given an option to take a pay cut or be outright released. Some FAs will take one year deals at a far lesser amount than they had expected (either to stay for one more year or to move to a team that they prefer). Others will make longer term 2021 cap friendly deals.
It's going to be a game of musical chairs. Fewer chairs than people. Fewer positions available than the amount of players wanting to fill them.
Let the music begin.
Sure going to be interesting because not every team will approach it the same way. I bet the Rams go shopping.
