June 1 marks a significant turning point in the NFL offseason where teams can reduce cap penalties dramatically by trading certain players. Following this date, several franchises now have the opportunity to execute trades that would result in substantial salary cap savings, highlighting the importance of timing in roster management for NFL teams.
How the June 1 Deadline Changes Trade Financials
The Atlanta Falcons stand to gain the most from the post-June 1 trade rules if they manage to move quarterback Kirk Cousins. Trading Cousins before June 1 would have saved the Falcons only $2.5 million, but now a trade could free up as much as $27.5 million in cap space. If a trade cannot be arranged, releasing Cousins after June 1 would cost the team $10 million, a sharp decrease from the $35 million penalty before the cutoff.
Despite these savings, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out that Cousins is owed $27.5 million in guaranteed money, which complicates the Falcons’ ability to find a trade partner willing to absorb that financial commitment. As a result, Atlanta may need to retain a portion of Cousins’ contract to facilitate a deal.
Potential Moves Involving Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey
The Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Tyreek Hill appear to have settled earlier conflicts this offseason, making a trade for Hill less probable. However, if Miami decides to part ways with Hill, the team would save $14.9 million against the salary cap by trading him now, along with avoiding an $18.5 million roster bonus.
Jalen Ramsey, a cornerback also linked to the Dolphins, seems more likely to be traded. Prior to June 1, trading Ramsey would have cost Miami $8.5 million, but now the team could save up to $10 million by moving him. Fowler’s insights suggest the timing could influence the team’s ability to improve cap flexibility significantly.
Other Notable Trades and Salary Cap Impact
The Philadelphia Eagles are close to finalizing a trade sending Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers, which is expected to reduce Philadelphia’s salary cap burden by $7.7 million once completed. Meanwhile, injuries such as the one sustained by Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts add another layer of uncertainty to offseason trade discussions. Teams remain cautious as they evaluate the risks and benefits associated with player transactions post-June 1.
Implications for NFL Teams Moving Forward
The post-June 1 period gives NFL teams strategic flexibility to manage salary caps more effectively, allowing them to consider trades that previously would have been too costly. This shift not only affects player movement but also has the potential to reshape rosters as teams seek to improve financially and competitively. Monitoring how franchises handle players like Kirk Cousins, Tyreek Hill, and Jalen Ramsey will reveal the extent to which these trade cap savings influence offseason decisions.
“The team only would have saved $2.5 million had it traded Cousins before June 1, but they can now save $27.5 million by dealing him elsewhere.” —Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider
“Fowler noted that Cousins is due $27.5 million in guaranteed money, and it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on that much.” —Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider
“If they do want to part ways with the wide receiver, they can now save $14.9 million, while also dumping his $18.5 million roster bonus if they trade him.” —Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider
“Had the Dolphins traded the cornerback before June 1, it would have cost them $8.5 million, but they can now save $10 million by parting ways with him.” —Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider
“The Philadelphia Eagles are nearing a deal to trade Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers, and Fowler reported that the move will save Philadelphia $7.7 million once it’s complete.” —Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider