The Philadelphia Eagles have made waves in the NFL by leveraging the June 1 rule to bolster their salary cap space, a strategic move that provides much-needed financial flexibility. By utilizing the post-June 1 designation to release veteran cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the Eagles have gained a significant $6.42 million in cap space, bringing their total to an impressive $27 million, according to Over The Cap. This figure is expected to climb even higher, potentially reaching $30 million, once the trade involving edge rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers is finalized, as reported by Eagles insider Anthony DiBona.
The NFL’s June 1 rule is a critical tool for teams managing their salary cap. When a team cuts or trades a player before June 1, the remaining bonus money on the player’s contract hits the cap immediately, often creating a financial strain. However, by designating a release as post-June 1, teams can spread the cap hit over two years—part in the current year and part in the next. This approach softens the immediate financial impact, allowing teams like the Eagles to free up cap space for signing rookies or free agents. The rule limits teams to two such designations per year, making the Eagles’ decision to apply it to both Slay and Bradberry a calculated move to maximize flexibility.
The release of Darius Slay was a tough but purely financial decision for Philadelphia. Over five seasons with the Eagles, Slay was a cornerstone of the secondary, appearing in 74 games and recording nine interceptions, 56 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. His veteran presence was instrumental in guiding rookie cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell through their transition from college to the NFL. Despite his contributions, the Eagles prioritized cap relief over retaining the seasoned veteran.
Eagles will gain $6.42 million in cap space today thanks to the releases of both Darius Slay and James Bradberry, according to @Jason_OTC.
Philadelphia should now have $27 million in cap space, which will also increase once the Bryce Huff trade is officially completed. pic.twitter.com/6BAIrqNb7o
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) June 1, 2025
In contrast, James Bradberry’s release was influenced by both financial considerations and his recent performance. A second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2016, Bradberry spent four seasons with Carolina and two with the New York Giants before joining the Eagles in 2022. That year, he earned his first All-Pro honors, securing a three-year, $38 million contract extension in March 2023. However, injuries and a dip in production in recent seasons factored into the decision to part ways. Over his seven-year NFL career, Bradberry has amassed 19 interceptions and 478 tackles in 125 games, leaving a notable legacy despite his departure.
As the Eagles look ahead, the additional cap space provides room to maneuver in a competitive market. The impending Bryce Huff trade is expected to push their cap space to approximately $30 million, offering general manager Howie Roseman ample opportunity to bolster the roster. While the loss of Slay and Bradberry marks the end of an era for Philadelphia’s defense, the financial flexibility gained through these moves positions the Eagles to build around their young talent and pursue new additions to remain contenders in the NFC.