Liam MacKenzie – Student Reporter
Manhattan, New York – It has been a few weeks since the NFL’s post-June 1 deadline came and went, but the effects of one the league’s most important offseason dates are still being felt. Every year, June 1 marks a turning point for NFL front offices, allowing teams to create additional salary cap flexibility through trades, releases, and contract restructures that can reshape their rosters for the upcoming season.
While the biggest waves of free agency and the NFL Draft have already passed, the post-June 1 deadline often sparks another round of significant moves that can alter a team’s outlook. With several franchises taking advantage of their newfound financial flexibility, let us take a look at the biggest takeaways and most impactful moves that have emerged since the June 1 deadline.
Myles Garrett Traded to the Rams – Arguably the biggest move to come after the NFL’s June 1 deadline was the blockbuster trade that sent star edge rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams. The timing of the deal allowed Cleveland to spread Garrett’s dead-cap hit over multiple seasons, making trade financially feasible while giving Los Angeles one of the league’s most dominant defensive players.
In exchange for Garrett, the Browns received Pro Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. The package gives Cleveland a young cornerstone on defense along with valuable draft capital as the organization continues to reshape its roster for the future.
For the Rams, the acquisition signals an all-in approach toward competing for a Super Bowl. Pairing Garrett with an already talented defensive front gives Los Angeles one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing units and immediately elevates its championship aspirations entering the 2026 season.
Garrett’s arrival has also reignited speculation surrounding the potential return of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. While no deal or comeback has materialized, the rumors have generated plenty of excitement among Rams fans, who have imagined the possibility of pairing one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history with one of the league’s premier edge rushers. Until Donald makes an official decision, however, the speculation remains just that.
AJ Brown Traded to the Patriots – While the move may have been one of the biggest headlines of the post-June 1 deadline, it was also one that many around the league had been anticipating for quite some time. After months of speculation regarding A.J. Brown’s future in Philadelphia, the Eagles ultimately finalized the widely anticipated deal that sent the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to the New England Patriots. By waiting until after June 1, Philadelphia was able to spread Brown’s dead-cap charge over two seasons, making the trade a financially beneficial move for the organization.
In return, the Eagles received New England’s 2028 first-round draft pick along with the better of the Patriots’ two fifth-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. While the return centers around future draft capital rather than established players, it provides Philadelphia with additional flexibility as it continues building for both the present and the future.
For the Patriots, the trade represents a major investment in surrounding quarterback Drake Maye with elite talent. Brown immediately steps in as New England’s No. 1 wide receiver and reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him during his early years with the Tennessee Titans. The move gives the Patriots one of the NFL’s premier playmakers and signals that the franchise is committed to taking the next step as a legitimate AFC contender.
Odell Beckham Jr. Signs with Giants – Not every notable move following the June deadline came via trade. After participating in a workout with the New York Giants on the morning of June 1, veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. agreed to a one-year contract, marking a long-awaited reunion with the franchise that drafted him 12th overall in 2014. The signing came just hours after Beckham impressed the Giants’ coaching staff during his workout, bringing one of the NFL’s most recognizable players back to East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The reunion carries significance beyond the football field. Beckham became a household name during his first stint with the Giants, earning three Pro Bowl selections, and producing one of the most iconic catches in NFL history before being traded following the 2018 season. Now 33 years old, he returns as an experienced veteran looking to provide leadership and reliable depth to a receiving corps that has been impacted by injuries throughout the offseason.
For the Giants, the signing represents a low-risk, high-upside addition. If Beckham can earn a spot on the 53-man roster following the preseason, he could provide valuable veteran leadership while also helping in the development of second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart and emerging star wide receiver Malik Nabers. Should Beckham remain healthy and recapture even a portion of the production that made him one of the league’s premier receivers, he has the potential to become a valuable contributor as New York looks to strengthen its offense heading into the 2026 season.
Russell Wilson Joins CBS Sports Crew – While much of the attention surrounding June 1 centered on roster moves, one of the biggest stories of the week involved veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. On June 1, Wilson joined CBS Sports as an analyst for The NFL Today, signaling that the 14-year veteran was preparing for the next chapter of his football career.
Just two days later, Wilson officially announced his retirement from the NFL, bringing an end to a remarkable career that included a Super Bowl championship, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and a lasting impact as one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks of his era. His transition from the playing field to the broadcast booth marked another significant moment in an eventful week across the NFL.
Looking Ahead – Although the NFL’s post-June 1 deadline has come and gone, its impact on the league is only beginning to take shape. From blockbuster trades and notable signings to major career transitions, the moves made over the past few weeks have reshaped rosters and created new storylines heading into training camp. As the 2026 season draws closer, it will be fascinating to see which teams made the most of their post-June 1 opportunities.
