A.J. Brown and the NFL's Most Likely Post-June 1 Trade Candidates Entering 2026 Minicamps

With mandatory minicamps set to begin around the league in less than a month, it may feel like the NFL offseason is over. However, we're likely to see another significant round of trade activity just as minicamps get underway.

June 1 looms as an important offseason date for many NFL contracts. Once that date passes, the dead money remaining on the contracts of released or traded players can be prorated over the next two seasons instead of being absorbed entirely into the current salary cap.

The June 1 deadline is somewhat less important for players that teams intend to release because each franchise can cut up to two players with a post-June 1 designation, with the additional cap savings going into effect on June 2. The same tool, however, isn't available for players that teams wish to trade.

Here, we'll examine the top trade candidates who are most likely to be moved between June 1 and minicamp, why they're likely to be traded, the financial implications, and teams that should be interested if they are indeed available.

We'll kick things off with a certain wide receiver who is no stranger to trade speculation.

A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

A.J. Brown has been the subject of trade speculation pretty much ever since he started to publicly criticize the Philadelphia Eagles this past season. While some fans may be getting tired of the drama, it isn't going away until he's actually on another team.

It sounds as if Brown could be on a new team by minicamp and that it'll probably be the New England Patriots.

"I still think all these elements are in place," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Monday on The Pat McAfee Show. "And I still think that once we get to June, that these two sides will get together and complete a trade that'll send AJ Brown to the New England Patriots."

Why would the Eagles move a three-time Pro Bowler who has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his past four seasons? Simply put, Brown's time in Philly appears to have run its course.

The Eagles have restocked the receiver room by signing Marquise Brown, trading for Dontayvion Wicks, and drafting Makai Lemon. They can cash in Brown's contract, but they'll need to wait until June 2 to do it.

Trading Brown before June 1 would cost Philadelphia $20.1 million in additional cap space, while trading him after that date would save $7 million.

While New England appears to be his most likely destination, it isn't the only receiver-needy team that should be interested.

Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

A Brandon Aiyuk trade has felt inevitable ever since he reportedly clashed with the San Francisco 49ers about his recovery from a torn ACL, and the team responded by voiding his guarantees.

The 49ers, who used their first selection in last month's draft on wideout De'Zhaun Stribling, are clearly ready to move on. However, they're not in a hurry to let Aiyuk go for nothing.

"The Niners have held out hope that they can trade Aiyuk and recoup something, even a late round pick, for a player once viewed as a future franchise cornerstone," ESPN's Nick Wagoner wrote on Wednesday.

According to Wagoner, the 49ers have "found no takers for Aiyuk or really even gained traction toward a deal."

However, San Francisco may be more aggressive about trying to move Aiyuk after June 1. In other words, it may be willing to take less in compensation. A trade before then would cost $19.9 million in additional cap space, while a trade after June 1 would save $1.3 million.

Teams with ties to Aiyuk and/or those simply looking for a bargain should be interested.

Potential Suitors: Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders

Arik Armstead, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

The Jacksonville Jaguars were willing to let key contributors like Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd depart in free agency, and their approach to the draft was questioned by plenty of folks.

"I did not like what Jacksonville did at all," one unnamed executive said, per The Athletic's Mike Sando. "Their picks reflect numbers—workouts, pro days, that kind of stuff—more than the film."

It's clear that coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone want to build their roster. Don't be surprised if trading defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who was signed in 2024, is part of their 2026 plan.

Armstead was productive this past season, recording 5.5 sacks and 28 combined tackles. However, he's 32 years old, and Jacksonville could save $14.5 million by trading him after June 1—and only $2.3 million by trading him before then.

The Jags have taken steps to reload their defensive front, trading for Ruke Orhorhoro before drafting Albert Regis and Wesley Williams in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively. Armstead now looms as a prime post-June 1 trade candidate who should interest teams seeking more defensive help up front.

Potential Suitors: San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans

Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

The Chicago Bears may not be eager to move tight end Cole Kmet after restructuring his contract to better align with his diminishing role. They certainly aren't likely to trade him before June 1.

Trading Kmet before June 1 would cost the team $4.1 million in additional cap space, while trading him after that date would save $1.4 million. That obviously isn't a huge amount of savings, but it would make flipping the 27-year-old for a reasonable offer sensible.

While there's a role for Kmet in Ben Johnson's offense, it isn't likely to be a large one in 2026. Last year's first-round pick, Colston Loveland, has clearly established himself as TE1, while rookie third-round pick Sam Roush probably has a brighter future in Chicago than Kmet does.

Kmet should heavily interest teams in need of a quality pass-catching tight end. He has filled the TE1 role for the Bears in the past and has topped 500 receiving yards in three of his six seasons.

Whether the Bears actually move on from Kmet before he becomes a likely 2027 cap casualty—they'll save $10 million by cutting or trading him in the spring—expect his name to come up more often in trade chatter next month.

Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs

Joshua Palmer, WR, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Just over a year ago, the Buffalo Bills took a big swing on wide receiver Joshua Palmer, inking him to a three-year, $29 million contract. In a few weeks, they'll have an opportunity to get out from under a deal that is looking like a mistake.

Palmer had a few bright moments in the Bills' offense last season, but he wasn't the dependable complementary receiver he had previously been for the Los Angeles Chargers. He produced a career-low 303 receiving yards, though it's worth noting that he was also limited to 12 games.

The 26-year-old battled an ankle injury for much of the season and was eventually placed on injured reserve.

Since the start of the offseason, Buffalo has signed Trent Sherfield, traded for D.J. Moore, and drafted Skyler Bell. That alone might not be enough to justify pulling the plug on Palmer, but his contract plays a part.

Palmer is set to carry a cap hit of $11.8 million this season. The Bills can save $5.4 million by trading him now and $10.2 million by trading him after June 1.

Brown and Aiyuk may both have to be dealt before Palmer draws considerable interest, but he'll be a solid option for receiver-needy teams once the dust settles.

Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders

Kenny Moore II, CB, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in early April that the Indianapolis Colts and cornerback Kenny Moore II had agreed to mutually seek a trade. That hasn't happened yet, but Moore's tenure in Indianapolis appears to be coming to an end.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, another trade candidate, has reported to the Colts' offseason program, but Moore has remained away, according to Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star.

Moore and Richardson were both on the trade block during draft weekend, but neither drew an offer that made the Colts flip the switch on a trade.

"Nothing yet," general manager Chris Ballard said after the draft, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star.

However, that could change once the prospect of dealing Moore becomes more financially beneficial to the Colts. Dealing him now would save $7.1 million, but trading him after June 1 would save $9.9 million in 2026 cap space. While that may not seem like a significant difference, it's a lot for an outgoing player who may bring proverbial pennies in a trade.

Moore appeared in 14 games this past season, and at a budget trade price, he should interest cornerback-needy teams.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers

Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Ella Hall

To be clear, it very much sounds like running back Alvin Kamara would prefer to remain with the New Orleans Saints for another run, even after they signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million contract.

"I'm excited to see what we could do together," Kamara told The Set podcast (h/t NFL.com's Grant Gordon). "...That's the name of the game, shoot. Depth—one person can't do it by themselves, so, I'm cool with it, man."

However, the Saints may not be quite as eager to keep the 30-year-old Kamara. They brought back Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estimé, signed Etienne and Ty Johnson, and added CJ Donaldson as an undrafted free agent.

While Kamara is on the roster now, that could change after June 1. After that date, the Saints would save $456,741 in cap space by trading him. Moving him before June 1 would cost $7.6 million in additional 2026 cap space.

While New Orleans is unlikely to get a massive return for an aging back, Kamara's dual-threat ability should warrant some interest from running back-needy teams. The Saints will be more likely to accept a bargain offer once the cap hit of moving Kamara becomes more manageable.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs

*Contract information from Spotrac.