Atlanta, Georgia — The NFL’s 32 teams have officially started their spring workouts, known as organized team activities (OTAs), as they gear up for mandatory minicamps and summer training. Despite this early momentum, many rosters remain fluid as teams prepare for possible shake-ups ahead of the 2025 season.
Star players like Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers are opting out of voluntary workouts, signaling potential tensions regarding their futures with their clubs. While the initial flurry of free agency and the 2025 draft has passed, a new wave of personnel shifts is expected to unfold when the post-June 1 landscape arrives.
The post-June 1 period is crucial for teams. Many player contracts become more manageable to part with after this date due to cap implications, enabling teams to make strategic decisions without incurring devastating costs. This period not only allows for trades but also for significant salary cap savings, making certain veteran players more likely to be moved as franchises look to adjust their rosters.
As the countdown to June 1 continues, several notable veterans are under scrutiny. For instance, Cousins has not participated in the Falcons’ offseason activities, hinting at a desire for change after a benching late last season. The Falcons could save $27.5 million if they trade him after June 1, compared to only $2.5 million in savings prior. This scenario makes a release or trade more appealing for Atlanta as they weigh their options.
Another high-profile player, second-year quarterback Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans, may find himself in similar circumstances. Following the team’s selection of quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, Levis’s position may be precarious. The Titans could save approximately $1.6 million by trading Levis after June 1, an increase from the $600,000 they would save prior to that date.
In New England, running back Antonio Gibson’s future also appears uncertain after the Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson early in the second round. Despite the second contract given to Rhamondre Stevenson, Gibson could become expendable. The Patriots stand to save $2.3 million if they release or trade Gibson after June 1, further complicating his situation.
The Miami Dolphins may face similar dilemmas with star players. Tyreek Hill, a dynamic wide receiver, has hinted at frustration but has not vocalized an intent to leave. Should the Dolphins decide to trade him after June 1, they could save nearly $15 million, making him an attractive option on the trade market.
Meanwhile, cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers is also in limbo, with reports hinting at a potential parting of ways. The Packers could save $17 million by cutting or trading him post-June 1, particularly if new contract negotiations do not progress.
As teams delve deeper into their offseason strategies, the approaching deadline serves as a critical juncture in shaping the 2025 NFL landscape. With both financial considerations and player performance at the forefront, the potential for movement will only intensify as June approaches, offering fans and analysts alike keen insight into the future of their favorite teams and players.