Packers Might Not Be Able to Keep Kenny Clark Based on 2021 Salary Cap Update

The coronavirus pandemic has forced all major sports leagues across the globe to be put on hold. While some leagues are gearing up for future returns, COVID-19 will still cause a severe impact, especially when you consider what's going to happen in the near term.

For one, the NFL, which doesn't kick off until September, could see a significant decrease in the 2021 salary cap, namely if teams have to play games in front of empty stadiums. Assuming that's the case, the salary cap could take up to a $50 million hit due to the loss of revenue. That will present a major problem for the Green Bay Packers, who are right up against the cap.

This update suggests that the Packers might not be able to afford an extension for stud defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Green Bay drafted Clark with the No. 27 overall pick back in 2016. The 24-year-old earned a Pro Bowl nod for his marvelous efforts last season, and he just so happens to be entering the final year of his rookie contract after the franchise exercised his fifth-year option for the 2020 season.

Since becoming a full-time starter three seasons ago, Clark has been a force up front. During that span, the the UCLA product has registered 172 tackles (23 for loss), 16.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles. Those are the numbers of a player that's deserving of a significant payday.

Keeping Clark around would obviously do wonders for the Packers' championship aspirations. However, if the NFL loses billions in revenue, Green Bay might have to let the budding defensive lineman walk in free agency given their current cap situation coupled with the amount of money he'll command on the open market.