All NFL teams have officially begun their spring workouts, which include organized team activities (OTAs) leading up to mandatory minicamps and summer training sessions. However, team rosters for the 2025 season are not yet finalized.
Notable players like Kirk Cousins from the Atlanta Falcons and T.J. Watt from the Pittsburgh Steelers are opting out of voluntary workouts to push for actions from their teams. This move may soon prompt necessary changes.
With the key phases of free agency completed and the 2025 draft behind us, teams are likely to make further personnel changes during the post-June 1 period. All 32 teams can maintain up to 90 players on their offseason rosters, but more adjustments are anticipated, particularly involving some prominent veterans like Cousins.
Understanding the Post-June 1 Period
The post-June 1 period refers to the segment of the NFL offseason that follows June 1. Its significance lies in the fact that many player contracts become more flexible for cuts after this date. This grants teams the option to retain players during the offseason while enabling financial flexibility if they decide to part ways later on. Thus, veterans who consume a substantial part of a team’s salary cap are more susceptible to trades or releases after June 1.
Key Candidates for Cuts and Trades
Several high-profile players are likely to be released or traded in the post-June 1 window:
Note: Estimates for salary cap savings are provided by Over the Cap.
Kirk Cousins
Cousins missed the start of the Falcons’ voluntary OTAs, indicating his desire for a change, especially after being benched late in the 2024 season following a $180 million contract. The Falcons have hesitated to absorb his contract in a trade, but they could save $27.5 million by trading him after June 1, compared to minimal savings prior to that date.
Will Levis
Despite the Tennessee Titans publicly supporting Levis, the selection of Cam Ward as the first overall pick may indicate his impending exit. The Titans could save $1.6 million by trading Levis after June 1.
Antonio Gibson
The New England Patriots just drafted a running back and have recently extended Rhamondre Stevenson. This puts Gibson’s position in jeopardy. The Patriots could save $2.3 million by trading him after June 1.
Other Potential Departures
Other veterans, including Tyreek Hill and Jaire Alexander from the Dolphins, may also face trades for salary cap relief. Hill could yield close to $15 million in savings post-June 1, while Alexander’s departure could save Green Bay $17 million.
