June 1st marks a significant date on the NFL calendar, sparking discussions that are likely to persist for weeks. This date is critical for teams looking to manage their salary cap effectively, allowing for cuts or trades while spreading out the dead money across the upcoming seasons instead of incurring the full costs immediately.
Speculation around AJ Brown has been mounting, and the reason the Eagles traded for him before June 1st is pretty clear. If they secure Brown before that date, his cap hit would rise dramatically, going from $23.4 million to an eye-popping $44 million, plus an extra $20 million this season. However, if they wait until June 1, they could see his cap number decrease to $16.4 million this year and $16.2 million next year, ultimately saving them $7 million right off the bat.
It’s almost a given that Brown will be traded after June 1st, but there are plenty of other names to watch for potential cuts and trades once the month ends.
AJ Brown, WR — Philadelphia Eagles
It’s no secret that the Eagles are looking to trade Brown after June 1st, and all signs indicate he may be headed to the New England Patriots. This move comes on the heels of a rivalry that saw Philadelphia face off against New England in Super Bowl LIX, showcasing both teams’ successes and intense competition.
Brown is seeking more targets in the passing game, while the Eagles want their offensive players to prioritize teamwork. It’s a tricky combination, and it seems the drafting of Makai Lemon was a way for Philadelphia to address those growing concerns.
Trade/cut: trade. With his versatility and skill, Brown remains a valuable asset and will maintain his status as a top receiver no matter where he lands.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR — San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk’s fall from grace has been quite remarkable; once seen as a top producer, his numbers dropped alarmingly, making it hard to imagine anyone calling the 49ers for a trade.
Aiyuk faced a combination of injuries and attitude issues that contributed to his decline. Some of the circumstances were out of his control, while others were definitely his doing. Regardless, it might be best for the 49ers to move on now rather than to keep a player who may disrupt the locker room atmosphere.
Trade/cut: cut. With a hefty contract extension signed in 2024, teams might be wary of taking a chance on a receiver that hasn’t demonstrated consistent performance recently. Aiyuk might need to consider signing a short-term contract to prove his worth before hitting free agency again.
Cole Kmet, TE — Chicago Bears
The role of tight ends in the NFL currently seems to be shifting—some teams undervalue the position while others see it as essential. The recent NFL Draft showed a surprising influx of tight ends as teams sought to bolster that spot.
The Bears find themselves in an interesting situation with tight ends. Coach Ben Johnson seems not to see Kmet as a fit for his long-term plans, especially after selecting Colston Loveland in the draft as a pass-catching tight end and adding Sam Rausch later on. Kmet might now be on the outside looking in.
Even though Kmet has shown versatility as a receiver and blocker, Johnson’s need for specialization might make Kmet expendable as the Bears look to optimize their roster heading toward the June 1 deadline.
Trade/cut: trade. Kmet could be a candidate for a team looking for a Day 3 draft pick in 2027, allowing the Bears to gain some cap relief. Teams like the Chiefs, Falcons, and Panthers might be interested in adding him to their tight end roster after missing out on additions in the draft.
Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis Colts
As for Richardson, it feels unlikely that he’ll be traded anytime soon, regardless of the recent draft activities. The Colts are starting offseason training with him, but they seem poised to make a deal. Notably, they’ve opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, which might suggest they view his prospects dimly, though opinions on his potential vary widely.
Though he was drafted in 2023, Richardson is still just 23—young for a quarterback. He possesses great athleticism and a strong arm, but his struggles with consistency have been noted. If a team is in urgent need of a quarterback, Richardson may be worth considering, especially for those who believe they can bring out his potential.
Trade/cut: trade. The Colts have options to either keep Richardson or trade him for draft picks, but cutting him doesn’t make much sense at this stage. There are comparisons to other quarterbacks who have turned around their careers, and some teams might think, “We can help him reach his potential.”
