NFL June 1st Cuts
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvis Green-Ellis (42) runs for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
June 1st isn’t as big of a date as it used to be for NFL teams, but is still has some importance. For teams like the Bengals, June 1st signifies the ability to sign a free agent without the fear of losing a compensatory pick. Picks that the team knows will be coming because after a quite offseason the Bengals should see at least a 3rd and possibly a 4th for the losses of defensive end Michael Johnson and left tackle Anthony Collins. Both players were paid very well and both will play significant roles as starters for Tampa Bay.
June 1st used to be a time when several teams would dump over paid veterans, making the date somewhat of a low key/second chance free agency period. Teams are now able to label two players as post June 1st cuts often times releasing them earlier in the offseason.
For teams that missed in the draft/free agency or suffered an injury in OTA’s, post June 1st can be a way to get a solid veteran on a reduced rate to fill in for a year and keep the roster competitive. I suspect that teams like the Patriots will be active looking to fill some spots, namely tight end where they are expected to sign Dustin Keller. I could also see the Panthers looking to find some help for their offensive line.
As for the Bengals I don’t think they go shopping with a roster that is already packed full, however one player who could be cut is corner back Brandon Flowers, he would be a younger version of Terrence Newman and provide an instant upgrade in the nickel. But the chances of that are slim as the Bengals won’t want to pay him starter money. The Bengals interest will also depend on who else is a casualty come June 1st.
Of course the obvious cut for the Bengals would be BenJarvis Green-Ellis, who ran with the third team during OTA’s after the team drafted Jeremy Hill in the second round. With deals looming for Vontaze Burfict, AJ Green, and possibly Andy Dalton it would behoove the team to free up as much cap room as possible.