Eagles Had Better Hope NFL Increases Salary Cap in Major Way for 2021 or Else They're Screwed

It's never too early for NFL executives to look ahead and lay out blueprints to address future salary cap situations. As far as the Philadelphia Eagles are concerned, however, they might be at the mercy of the league no matter what.

Quite simply, the Eagles' financial outlook for the 2021 season is disastrous. Following the past week's NFL Draft, the team is slated to be $40.79 million (!) over the cap next year.

That's a huge problem, and it's not going away.

As of this writing, Philadelphia has 50 players signed through 2021. 11 of those players will account for cap hits north of $10 million each. Seven will account for more than $15 million. The deals of quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox alone add up to approximately a $58 million hit.

This is absolutely why the Eagles have only agreed to deals beyond one year with two players -- cornerback Darius Slay and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave -- this offseason. Their 2021 salary cap situation just can't take any more weight.

Unloading wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey's monster $18.5 million cap hit via trade would be a good start in preparing for this oncoming nightmare. Releasing the 30-year-old vet would only save $8 million, with Philadelphia forced to swallow a full $10 mil in dead money.

The Eagles had better hold out hope that the NFL's salary cap doesn't just increase next season, but that it takes a notable leap. If not, they're in for a disaster..