As the 2024 offseason progresses, the Atlanta Falcons appear to be considering a trade involving tight end Kyle Pitts, who has spent four seasons with the team. Though the Falcons prefer to retain him, multiple NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Pitts, suggesting a trade could materialize if the offer meets Atlanta’s valuation. The discussion around Kyle Pitts’ potential trade landing spots has gained momentum as teams evaluate their roster and salary cap strategies.
Among the teams reportedly interested in Pitts, several stand out as plausible destinations given their roster needs and cap space.
The Dallas Cowboys represent one such team. They seek a dynamic complement to Jake Ferguson at tight end and currently hold approximately $30 million in salary cap space. Additionally, the possibility of this deal was hinted at by Micah Parsons‘ brother, adding credibility to Dallas as a serious suitor for Pitts.
The Jacksonville Jaguars also appear to be a candidate despite recently investing heavily in rookie cornerback Travis Hunter. New general manager James Gladstone may aim to replace released tight end Evan Engram by adding Pitts, whose versatility could revitalize Jacksonville’s offensive weapons. Pitts would potentially join Brian Thomas Jr. to form a formidable trio, boosting Trevor Lawrence‘s chances for a strong offensive turnaround.
For the New York Giants, acquiring Pitts could provide quarterback Russell Wilson with a reliable target alongside wide receiver Malik Nabers. Head coach Brian Daboll is reportedly open to pairing these offensive weapons, understanding the team’s need for more dependable secondary playmakers after several years of limited production.
These potential landing spots highlight teams looking to enhance their offensive schemes through a versatile tight end, as Kyle Pitts’ unique skill set remains highly prized around the league.
49ers Strengthen Defensive Line with Bryce Huff Acquisition from Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a trade to acquire defensive end Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a significant move in their ongoing defensive line overhaul. Huff was signed by the Eagles to a three-year, $51.1 million contract last offseason but was deemed expendable after just one season. The trade involves the 49ers sending a mid-round draft pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Huff, although the exact round of the pick has not been disclosed.
This transaction is part of a larger rebuilding effort by the 49ers on their defensive front. They have recently released several prominent veterans, such as Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, while bolstering the unit with young talent through the draft—including Mykel Williams, an 11th overall pick.
An important aspect of the deal is that the Eagles have agreed to cover $9.05 million of Huff’s $17 million 2025 salary, limiting San Francisco’s financial burden to $7.95 million for that season.
Trade analysts have given the 49ers an A- grade on this move, noting Huff’s previous success under current San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during his time with the New York Jets. This familiarity may expedite Huff’s integration and performance within the 49ers’ defensive system. Meanwhile, Philadelphia received a B- grade. While paying a player to compete elsewhere is suboptimal, the team was able to offload significant salary and gain a draft asset, a prudent maneuver following their recent Super Bowl victory.
Impact of June 1 NFL Salary Cap Rules: Seven Teams Gain Significant Cap Relief
The NFL’s June 1 salary cap designation has already transformed the financial landscape for several teams ahead of the 2024 league year. Under this rule, franchises can designate up to two players as post-June 1 cuts during the offseason. Unlike ordinary cuts that free cap space immediately, these cuts spread the remaining cap charges over two years, offering teams more flexibility in managing their finances.
This year, seven NFL teams have utilized the post-June 1 designation to gain at least $5 million in salary cap space each, creating fresh opportunities for roster adjustments and free agency signings.
The New York Jets lead the group with $13.5 million freed through releasing linebacker CJ Mosley and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Houston Texans gained $10.49 million by cutting guard Shaq Mason, while the Cleveland Browns freed $9.81 million after parting ways with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill.
The Philadelphia Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings also realized cap relief ranging from roughly $5 million to over $6 million by releasing various veterans, including cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry (Eagles), kicker Justin Tucker and safety Marcus Williams (Ravens), and linemen Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave (49ers).
These salary cap restructurings are critical as the Eagles stand to increase their space further with the Bryce Huff trade and linebacker Brandon Graham’s retirement. Similarly, the New Orleans Saints anticipate more cap flexibility following the official retirements of quarterback Derek Carr and offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk.
This influx of salary cap space across multiple franchises is expected to trigger a wave of free agency activity in the coming weeks as teams seek to strengthen their rosters before training camps begin.
Early Look at the 2026 NFL Draft: Mock Selections Without Arch Manning
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, mock drafts are already stirring discussions, with one notable prediction excluding the expected top prospect Arch Manning. According to analyst Ryan Wilson, Manning will opt to remain in college for another season rather than entering the draft—an outcome diverging from many pundits’ expectations.
Without Manning in the class, the top ten selections, based on Super Bowl odds in reverse order, could feature these players:
- New Orleans Saints: Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier from LSU
- Cleveland Browns: Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor from Alabama
- New York Jets: Defensive end T.J. Parker from Clemson
- New York Giants: Offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah
- Tennessee Titans: Defensive lineman Pete Woods from Clemson
- Las Vegas Raiders: Safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State
- Carolina Panthers: Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from Miami
- Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Drew Allar from Penn State
- Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): Defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami
- New England Patriots: Wide receiver Antonio Williams from Clemson
This projection highlights Clemson’s potential to produce three top-ten draft picks for the first time since Alabama’s 2021 draft class. The complete draft order and further analysis provide a comprehensive glimpse into how teams might address their needs two years from now.
Focused Predictions for NFC South Teams’ 2025 Season Outlook
As summer begins, predictions for the upcoming NFL season are emerging, with particular attention on the NFC South division. Analyst Garrett Podell has shared early over/under win totals and insights on each team’s prospects in the division.
For the Atlanta Falcons, Podell favors the “Over” on their projected 7.5 wins. He emphasizes the anticipated impact of Michael Penix as starting quarterback, whose mobility and passing ability may restore play-action passing to the offense—something Falcons’ former starter Kirk Cousins was limited in doing due to injury. Penix’s full season as a starter, combined with the team’s offensive weapons, could lift Atlanta’s performance to new heights.
Conversely, Podell leans toward the “Under” for the Carolina Panthers, projecting that stability remains a question mark despite progress from quarterback Bryce Young. While Young showed improved ball security and better production in the latter part of 2024, uncertainty persists over his ability to deliver consistent results supporting the front office’s vision for the team.
Key Updates: Madden Cover Reveal, Player Retirement, and Other NFL Headlines
Several notable offseason developments have captured NFL fans’ attention:
- Saquon Barkley Graces Madden NFL Cover – EA Sports has announced running back Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete for the latest Madden NFL edition. Following a trend of running backs featuring on the cover, Barkley’s selection revives discussions of the so-called “Madden Curse,” especially after Christian McCaffrey’s struggles last year.
- Frank Ragnow Announces Retirement – The Detroit Lions’ starting center Frank Ragnow has unexpectedly retired at age 29 due to physical wear and injuries. Ragnow, a full-time starter since his 2018 draft, reflected on the difficult choice: “I have given this team everything I have, and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. I have to listen to my body, and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.” —Frank Ragnow, former Lions starting center
- Josh Allen Marries Actress Hailee Steinfeld – The reigning NFL MVP and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen married actress Hailee Steinfeld in a California ceremony. Allen’s wedding was attended by teammates including Dawson Knox, Spencer Brown, and Mitchell Trubisky.
- Patriots Considering Cutting Stefon Diggs – With ongoing dissatisfaction surrounding wide receiver Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel faces the option to release the veteran. Patriots radio announcer Scott Zolak confirmed the possibility, especially in light of recent off-field controversies, signaling potential roster shakeups.
- NFL Red Zone Host Scott Hanson Returns – After some uncertainty when his contract expired post-2024 season, Scott Hanson has renewed his agreement with the NFL Network and will continue hosting NFL Red Zone for the upcoming season, much to fans’ relief.
- Cowboys Welcome Joe Milton – Former New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton was traded to Dallas in April. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed enthusiasm about Milton’s addition, highlighting the need for a reliable backup as starter Dak Prescott recovers from a hamstring injury. “So excited about Joe. I was excited about Joe before we got him.” —Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys coach
Significance of These Moves for the 2024 NFL Season and Beyond
The developments around Kyle Pitts’ potential trade emphasize a broader trend of teams actively reshaping their rosters under strict salary cap constraints. Falcons’ openness to negotiate his departure, combined with multiple credible suitors, signals front offices’ willingness to balance talent with financial flexibility.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ acquisition of Bryce Huff, paired with their aggressive defensive line rebuild, illustrates how veteran players with system familiarity can be strategically integrated to accelerate team improvement. The cost-sharing arrangement with the Eagles further reflects creative financial maneuvering prevalent across the league.
The influx of salary cap space after June 1 positions numerous teams to be active in free agency, making the next weeks critical for roster construction. Early mock drafts and over/under team predictions provide a framework to anticipate how the league might evolve, especially with prominent prospects like Arch Manning delaying entry.
Offseason headlines, from player retirements to marquee covers and weddings, remind fans that the NFL remains a deeply human sport, with personal and professional stories intertwining as teams prepare for the challenges ahead.