Why NFL's biggest offseason trades were waiting for June 1

The NFL's June 1 date triggered a wave of major trades in 2026, as teams can spread dead-money cap charges across multiple seasons after that date, creating financial flexibility for blockbuster moves. The Los Angeles Rams acquired star pass rusher Myles Garrett, while wide receiver A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots, now led by head coach Mike Vrabel. The financial rule, long known mainly to front offices and cap specialists, turned June 1 into one of the most significant transaction days of the NFL offseason.