Which popular NFL players could be looking for a new team after June 1?
June 1 is an important date in the financial departments of NFL teams. Releasing or trading players after that date can save a team a significant amount of money when it comes to the salary cap. It can also mean that a high-priced veteran’s time with a team is suddenly over.
Who’s the biggest name that could be moving on?
At the top of the list of popular players who could move on is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. He signed a $180 million deal in 2024 only to lose his job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons can save $27.5 million if they trade Cousins after June 1. If they release him, the savings aren’t as significant, but the team has clearly turned the page. On Tuesday, May 27, head coach Raheem Morris heaped praise on his new starter, Penix.
“I like his open mindset,” Morris said. “His ability to go out there and get the guys going every day. I like his ability to sit back and debrief on those things when you ask him those questions. I like his ability to figure it out in how he wants to do it better.”
The Tennessee Titans are another team likely throwing in the towel on a former starting quarterback. They’ll save $1.6 million this season if they trade Will Levis after June 1. Just two years ago, Levis was touted as the team’s savior, drafted with the first pick in the second round. In April, the team officially gave up on him when they drafted quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. They could keep Levis as a backup. However, he’ll never fetch more on the trade market than he will right now.
What position could see a significant change?
Several tight ends could be cap casualties. In Seattle, the Seahawks could save almost $9 million by releasing Noah Fant. With former Michigan star AJ Barner about to see a bigger role in his second season and the Seahawks drafting Elijah Arroyo out of Miami in April, Fant could be on the outs.
The same could be said for New Orleans’ “Swiss Army knife,” Taysom Hill. He is recovering from an ACL injury in his left knee. Hill is a versatile weapon when healthy, but with a cap savings of $10 million, if he’s released after June 1, the Saints may want to kickstart their rebuild by going younger and cheaper at the position.
A few more high-priced veterans who could be looking for new homes include Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams and David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns, though Njoku did restructure his contract in 2023 to adjust his cap number.
What’s the deal with Jaire Alexander in Green Bay?
Perhaps the most high-profile player still rumored to be on the move is Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. The All-Pro signed a record contract extension in 2022, but the team was looking for a trade partner during the draft. In March, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was noncommittal on keeping or trading the high-priced defender.
“We invested a lot in Jaire, and we want to make sure that if he’s not going to be on our football team, helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment,” Gutekunst said. “We’ll see where it goes, but again, working with him weekly to kind of figure out what’s best for both Jaire and the Packers.”
Over the last two seasons, Alexander has played in just 16 of the possible 37 games due to injury, and the Packers would save $17 million if he were traded or released. Reports on Tuesday, May 27, said the Packers offered Alexander a restructured contract, but he has yet to accept that deal.
Will the Miami Dolphins be active after June 1?
The Miami Dolphins could also be making a post-June 1 move to save some cash. Veteran corner Jalen Ramsey played in all 17 games last year and has a guaranteed $25 million this coming season. Just cutting him would cost the Dolphins much more than they would save, but trading him would save them $10 million in 2025.
If Ramsey isn’t moved, wide receiver Tyreek Hill is another possibility. The Dolphins would save $15 million if “The Cheetah” were traded. Is he happy? Is he unhappy? It’s hard to tell with Hill lately, given his social media feeds. The front office in Miami is currently working with just $8 million in projected cap space, so they could be looking for some relief.
The New York Giants are in even worse salary cap shape, so they could also be looking to make a move. One rumored “cap casualty” could be kicker Graham Gano. The Giants would save over $4 million if he is released after June 1.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
