NFL June 1 Trades: A Day of Blockbuster Moves and Big Contracts
The NFL’s June 1 deadline for prorating dead salary cap hits became a pivotal moment for multiple teams, with the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns executing high-stakes trades. The Rams acquired Myles Garrett from the Browns, the Patriots secured A.J. Brown from the Eagles, and the Eagles traded Brown to free up cap space while gaining draft assets.
What happened
On June 1, 2026, the Rams finalized a deal with the Browns for defensive end Myles Garrett, trading edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, and 2028 and 2029 second- and third-round picks. The Patriots completed a trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown, acquiring him from the Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick. The Eagles, in turn, gained first- and fifth-round picks while saving approximately $27 million in dead cap space by spreading Brown’s $40 million salary over two years.
General manager Les Snead of the Rams described the Garrett trade as a culmination of months of work, emphasizing the importance of a player “affecting the game on Sundays.” The Eagles’ decision to part with Brown followed ongoing tensions, including his public criticism of the team’s offensive approach and a perceived lack of chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Why it matters
The June 1 deadline allowed teams to restructure contracts, enabling the Eagles to avoid a significant cap hit while positioning themselves for future flexibility. The Patriots’ acquisition of Brown, a 28-year-old receiver with a history under head coach Bill Belichick, aimed to bolster a passing game that had struggled in the 2025 season. For the Browns, trading Garrett—NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023—represented a strategic shift, prioritizing young talent like Verse over a veteran star.
The trades reflect broader trends in the league, with teams increasingly willing to part with high-profile players for draft capital and long-term roster flexibility. As noted by an AFC executive, “The league will lean into the June 1 thing” due to its role in facilitating high-impact deals during a slow offseason period.
What may happen next
The Rams’ addition of Garrett could strengthen their defense ahead of Super Bowl LXI, though the loss of Verse, a 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, may create short-term challenges. The Patriots, now with Brown, face pressure to integrate him into a offense that has lacked a consistent deep threat. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ decision to move on from Brown may accelerate their focus on developing younger receivers like Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks.
Analysts suggest the June 1 deadline could become a recurring focal point for trades, with teams leveraging its cap implications to restructure rosters. However, the long-term success of these moves will depend on player performance and coaching strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Eagles to trade A.J. Brown? The Eagles sought to address tensions between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts, as well as Brown’s public frustrations with the team’s offensive approach. The trade allowed them to save cap space while acquiring draft picks.
What did the Rams gain by trading for Myles Garrett? The Rams added a proven defensive leader in Garrett, who won the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. However, they lost Jared Verse, a 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, in the deal.
Why is the June 1 deadline significant? The deadline allows teams to prorate the salary cap hit of traded players over two years, providing financial flexibility. This mechanism has become a key tool for restructuring rosters and facilitating high-profile trades.
How might these trades influence the 2026 season for the Patriots and Rams?