Most NFL teams have concluded their spring training sessions, which included organized team activities (OTAs) leading up to mandatory minicamps. They will return for training camp in July. However, this does not mean that rosters are completely finalized for the 2025 season. Cleveland Browns general manager, Andrew Berry, is always exploring options to improve his roster. This quieter period in the NFL is an ideal time to identify potential cut candidates around the league, especially players in crowded position groups or those whose release would result in salary cap savings for their team.
While the significant phases of free agency are already behind us, along with the 2025 draft, another round of roster changes is expected, particularly now that we are in the post-June first period. Each of the 32 teams can have up to 90 players on their offseason rosters. Still, lineup changes are anticipated, especially now that teams have seen their teams on the grass and been able to begin initial evaluations.
The Browns are in a situation to potentially take advantage of another team's strength, especially at the wide receiver position. The Browns do not have much they can rely on after Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, so adding some talent to the backend of the room would make sense.
What is the post-June 1 period?
The significance of the post-June first period lies in the fact that many player contracts are structured so that they become more disposable after that date. This typically means that players are more likely to be kept during the early part of the offseason, but teams have the option to save more money if they choose to part ways with a player after June first. As a result, certain veterans—who often account for significant portions of a team's annual salary cap—are more likely to be traded or released after this date.
When a player is cut or traded in the post-June first period, teams can then spread any dead money assigned to that player over this season and next season's salary cap, as a result significantly lessening the immediate financial burden.
By accurately identifying these targets, Berry can be ready as teams cut their rosters down. If the Browns find a player they want who is likely to be cut, they can bypass the waiver or free agent process by pursuing a trade, ensuring they secure that player for their roster.
The Browns should pay particular attention to the wide receiver position, as adding some young talent to their existing wide receiver room could provide them with more appealing options than those who are on the current roster, especially further down the depth chart. Other positions, including edge rusher, and offensive line, could also be areas the Browns might look to upgrade.
When exploring these situations around the league, we look at why each player could become expendable and if that player could be a fit with the Browns. Here we examine some potential cut/trade candidates that the Browns should be monitoring.