NFL’s post-June 1 deadline: Biggest remaining needs for 2024 contenders, plus top cut and trade candidates

At this point in the NFL In the off-season, most teams are done making sweeping changes to their rosters. But another important catalyst for potential change is fast approaching, with June 1 marking the date when many player contracts can be more easily negotiated or terminated.

With that in mind, here are the biggest remaining needs for some of the NFL expected candidates for 2024, as well as some of the top candidates to be cut or auctioned after June 1:

Key Remaining Needs for Competitors

Mike Hilton is reliable as a slot starter, but Cincinnati’s two perimeter men are as follows: Cam Taylor-Britt, who is 24 and has never started more than 12 games in a season; and DJ Turner, who is converting to corner after starting 12 games at safety as a rookie.

Accounts: Front seven

You can still discuss wide receiver here, with Josh Allen reliant on some combination of Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. But with Matt Milano coming off injury, Tyrel Dodson out and Von Miller aging, a pass rusher or off-ball linebacker could help.

Trent McDuffie is a big-league starter, but after trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs are banking on a quick jump from third-year successor Jaylen Watson, who has only started eight games so far. Young backup Joshua Williams offers another option at the position.

They addressed tackle by adding Tyler Guyton in the draft, but after losing Tyler Biadasz in free agency, questions remain about Dak Prescott’s frontcourt mettle. On the other hand, the front seven remains extremely dependent on Micah Parsons, with the interior D-line lacking a true difference-maker.

Both Connor Williams and Robert Hunt left via free agency, and Miami’s offensive line was questionable early on, at least from a durability standpoint. Terron Armstead is almost a perennial lock to be left out of several contests at left tackle, and on defense, the departure of Christian Wilkins left a considerable void that remains.

They haven’t ignored the position after an ugly 2023 at center defense, taking several low-risk, high-reward flights in veteran Devin White and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr., too. It is the only point in “D” that may still require another dart throw.

The interior of Brock Purdy’s line is something to monitor, but the backside of the secondary is an underrated concern. Talanoa Hufanga has been a hawk when healthy, but has missed just under half of the 2023 season, and fellow starter Ji’Ayir Brown has just five regular-season starts under his belt.

Packers: offensive line

It’s not that Green Bay doesn’t have advantages in the trenches. Youth in general is really promising. But with Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Zach Tom at right tackle and Jordan Morgan’s first-round pick uncertain for now, some clarity on roles and depth options would be nice.

Jets: offensive line

They’re all in on Aaron Rodgers for the second year in a row, and they certainly haven’t ignored the O-line after it burned them in 2023: Tyron Smith is still robust when healthy, and rookie Olu Fashanu adds much-needed depth at tackle. But durability issues are still spread pretty much everywhere here.

Lions: Wide receiver

Detroit paid Amon-Ra St. Brown a lot of money to stay put long-term, but there’s a bit of projection built into their supporting cast, with Jameson Williams still playing for a full season ahead of No. 3 Kalif Raymond. Good thing Sam LaPorta is also elite at tight end.

Ravens: offensive attack

Lamar Jackson makes up for a lot with unmatched athleticism in and out of the pocket, but the Ravens aren’t exactly entering 2024 with things at the back of the book: left tackle Ronnie Stanley has never played a full season, and new right tackle Roger Rosengarten is a rookie in the second round.

Houston has improved on both sides of the ball in a grueling offseason, and the added physicality in the front seven should come to the rescue in some ways. But Jeff Okudah is a lottery ticket next to Derek Stingley Jr. on the corner, which means DeMeco Ryans and Co.

Top Cutting and Trading Candidates Post-June 1

The former Washington Commanders starter took a pay cut to remain Kirk Cousins’ backup in Atlanta, but that was before the Falcons turned around and used a top-10 pick on Michael Penix Jr., packing the room of the quarterback in the short and long term. . Cutting him would save Atlanta $1.2 million.

A year after signing a free agent contract with Carolina, Sanders could very well be fighting for backups alongside Jonathon Brooks and Chuba Hubbard, even as new coach Dave Canales seeks stronger play. Releasing Sanders would instantly save the Panthers $200,000.

There is no world in which Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch actually to want to deal with Aiyuk, but the NFL It’s a deal, and if somehow the two sides remain extremely far apart in long-term contract negotiations, a trade could net San Francisco a premium return. Trading him would immediately save $14.1 million.

Skipping voluntary workouts in an apparent bid for a new contract, Slayton has quietly surpassed 700 yards passing in four of his five NFL seasons. But with first-round pick Malik Nabers, he’s also expendable. Cutting or trading him would save the Giants between $3.8 million and $6.4 million.

Judon reported for the Patriots’ mandatory minicamp, but his future in New England remains cloudy: Although he was a prolific edge rusher, the four-time Pro Bowler is 32 years old, coming off nearly a lost season and part of a Patriots defense under new coach Jerod Mayo. Releasing him would save $6.7 million.

A year after getting a new contract for his steady performance for a title contender, Bradberry could be the odd man out in a restocked Eagles secondary, featuring a pair of first- and second-round investments. Cutting him wouldn’t save the team anything in 2024, but it would take his contract off the books.