OLD FACES HEADED FOR NEW PLACES?

June 1st is one of the most significant dates of the NFL offseason. As teams prepare to make the final adjustments to their rosters ahead of training camp, players released or traded following June 1st can have their salary cap impact distributed between the current and next season, so 2021 and 2022 in this year’s case.

This June 1st rule allows teams to move on from veteran players more easily. This is often used when players and teams are unable to come to an agreement on a new contract or the team feels they are no longer receiving the value from the player they are playing for. In a season like 2021 where several teams are short on salary cap space, some teams will use this rule to create some relief in the current season in exchange for an impact in the following season.

MOST IMPACTFUL NFL MOVES THAT COULD COME IN JUNE

These are the top 10 roster moves that could happen in June. They are ranked based on their impact on the teams involved and the league as a whole.

1. AARON RODGERS – QB – GREEN BAY PACKERS: Rodgers’ displeasure with the state of the Packers has been discussed tirelessly over the past few months. The most talented quarterback of all time and the reigning NFL MVP could be on the move if he and the team can’t come to a resolution.
2. DESHAUN WATSON – QB – HOUSTON TEXANS: With a storm of controversy surrounding Watson and an already fractured relationship with the organization, there is still a realistic chance that Watson is moved before the start of the season. If a team is willing to gamble on his character, they could acquire a talented young quarterback at a bargain price.
3. JULIO JONES – WR – ATLANTA FALCONS: The Falcons don’t even have enough salary cap space to sign their rookie players and Jones has been documented saying he does not intend to return to Atlanta. Jones can still have a big impact for an offense but his large contract, age, and injury history may limit the number of teams who could acquire him.
4. ZACH ERTZ – TE – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: The Ertz era appears to be over in Philly considering the lack of guaranteed money remaining in his contract, Ertz’ lack of attendance for the offseason program, and Ertz’ emotional exit press conference at the end of last season. The Eagles’ new coaching staff appears to be ready to move onto Dallas Godert as the main tight end in this offense.
5. TREY FLOWERS – DE – DETROIT LIONS: The Lions are in year 1 of their first rebuild following the Matthew Stafford era and they could be gearing up to add some veterans to grow with their new group of young players. Flowers could be traded to save over $14 million this year.
6. JORDAN HICKS – LB – ARIZONA CARDINALS: Hicks appears to be the odd man out following back-to-back years of high draft picks being used on linebackers in Arizona. Hicks is still a starting caliber linebacker and there are rumors he could return to Philadelphia, who has room to grow at linebacker.
7. C.J. MOSLEY – LB – NEW YORK JETS: Another big-name linebacker who could be on the move. Mosley isn’t an ideal fit for Saleh’s defense and hasn’t lived up to the substantial contract the Jets gave him as a free agent.
8. LANDON COLLINS – SS – WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM: Collins is another player who hasn’t performed to his contract. He has no guaranteed money beyond this season, but at age 27, he could provide value for a defense looking for a hybrid safety/linebacker.
9. STERLING SHEPARD – WR – NEW YORK GIANTS: Shepard appears to have very little job security with the Giants right now. New York signed the biggest wide receiver contract in free agency with Kenny Golladay and followed that up with the first-round selection of Florida wide receive Kadarius Toney. Shepard could become the starting slot receiver on most teams in the league when healthy.
10. JAMISON CROWDER – WR – NEW YORK JETS: With the selection of slot receiver Elijah Moore, one of the most pro-ready prospects in the draft, Crowder’s days in New York could be numbered. At age 28, this may be his last chance to attract a significant contract and the Jets can save over $10 million by moving on from him.

The movement of these players could help shape the NFL season and they could be the missing pieces toward deep playoff runs in their new homes.