The NFL’s June 1 deadline has become a crucial date for teams looking to clear cap space and make roster moves. As of June 2, 2026, eleven players have been released with post-June 1 designations, allowing teams to delay bonus proration from remaining or future contract years until the following league year. This provision, included in the 2006 NFL collective bargaining agreement, has been a valuable tool for teams to manage their salary caps. For the latest roster moves and trades news, visit our Roster Moves and Trades coverage.
Analysts at PFF have noted the broader implications.
The post-June 1 designation has been used by four teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings, each of which has used both of their available designations. This move allows teams to carry a player’s full cap number until June 2, even if the player is no longer part of the roster. The player’s salary comes off the books at that time, unless it is guaranteed. For example, a player with a $56,267,647 salary cap number, $55 million in compensation, and $55.4 million in dead money would see their salary come off the books on June 2, unless $15 million of their option bonus and $39 million of their 2026 base salary are guaranteed.
Salary Cap Implications
The salary cap implications of these moves are significant. When a player is released or traded after June 1, only the current year’s bonus proration counts against the 2026 salary cap. Any future bonus proration becomes a 2027 salary cap charge. This means that teams can clear cap space for the current year while pushing dead money into future years. The Browns, for instance, will see $867,647 in salary cap savings in 2026, but will have $43.8 million in dead money in 2027.
The post-June 1 designation has been a valuable tool for teams to manage their salary caps. By delaying bonus proration until the next league year, teams can clear cap space and make roster moves that might not have been possible otherwise.
Teams’ Roster Moves
The four teams that have used both of their post-June 1 designations have made significant roster moves. The Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings have all released players with large contracts, clearing cap space and creating opportunities to sign new players. These moves demonstrate the importance of the June 1 deadline in the NFL, as teams look to manage their salary caps and build their rosters for the upcoming season. The Vikings, for example, have used their designations to release players with a combined $20 million in dead money, allowing them to pursue free agents and make other roster moves.
Future Implications
The use of post-June 1 designations will continue to be an important aspect of NFL roster management. As teams look to clear cap space and make roster moves, the June 1 deadline will remain a crucial date on the NFL calendar. With the current labor agreement including the post-June 1 designation provision, teams will continue to use this tool to manage their salary caps and build their rosters. The NFL’s salary cap rules, including the post-June 1 designation, will remain a key factor in shaping the league’s roster moves and transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the post-June 1 designation in the NFL?
The post-June 1 designation allows teams to release players and delay bonus proration until the next league year, creating an opportunity to clear cap space and make roster moves. This provision has been included in every subsequent collective bargaining agreement, including the current labor agreement.
How many teams have used the post-June 1 designation in 2026?
Four teams, the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings, have used both of their post-June 1 designations in 2026. These teams have released eleven players with post-June 1 designations, allowing them to manage their salary caps and make roster moves.
What are the salary cap implications of releasing a player with a post-June 1 designation?
When a player is released with a post-June 1 designation, only the current year’s bonus proration counts against the 2026 salary cap. Any future bonus proration becomes a 2027 salary cap charge. For example, a player with a $56,267,647 salary cap number and $55.4 million in dead money would see $867,647 in salary cap savings in 2026, but would have $43.8 million in dead money in 2027.