GM Lynch explains how COVID-19 impacted 49ers' budgets

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Professional sports franchises all have been rocked by the coronavirus pandemic.

Suspended or canceled seasons and uncertainty surrounding future salary cap numbers has left teams like the 49ers in a holding pattern as far as being able to plan ahead.

"This year it got exceptionally tough," 49ers general manager John Lynch told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami. "Because what we were budgeting for moving forward with COVID-19 and everything, I think we were budgeting for $220-225 million for 2021, it looks like it's gonna be closer to $175 million, so that's a big deal."

[RELATED: 49ers GM Lynch praises Kinlaw's 'tremendous work ethic']

The organization did solidify three major contract extensions this offseason, locking up Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and tight end George Kittle.

A potential $50 million difference will impact every NFL team's plans, and likely will affect those players seeking contract extensions of their own after the 2020 season.

Lynch and the 49ers front office likely will have to do some salary-cap gymnastics in order to keep this talented group together while staying within the confines of the diminished salary cap.

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