NFL 2025 Season Takes Shape: Key Roster Moves, Free Agency Shifts, and Salary Cap Strategies Emerge

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, several key developments have captured the attention of football fans.

### NFL Schedule and Important Dates
The NFL has outlined important dates for the 2025-2026 season. One significant milestone was June 2, which marked the deadline for teams to send "June 1 Tenders" to their unsigned restricted free agents who received qualifying offers. This period is crucial for teams to manage their rosters and salary caps[1].

### Post-June 1 Period and Roster Moves
The post-June 1 period is a critical time for NFL teams to make significant roster adjustments. After June 1, teams can release or trade players with more favorable cap implications compared to pre-June 1 moves. This period is likely to see notable veterans like Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers potentially being cut or traded, as teams aim to manage their salary caps and roster spaces. This period allows teams to carry up to 90 players on their offseason rosters but will see shuffling to finalize lineups[2].

### Free Agency and Draft
The major waves of free agency and the 2025 NFL draft have concluded, but teams continue to make adjustments. Notable signings include the Chargers extending CB Elijah Molden for three years and $18.25 million, the Panthers re-signing QB Andy Dalton for two years and $8 million, and the Vikings re-signing QB Sam Darnold. These moves reflect teams' efforts to solidify their rosters before the upcoming season[4].

### OTAs and Training Camp
Teams have begun their spring workouts, including organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, leading up to summer training camp. These sessions provide valuable time for teams to evaluate players and make final roster decisions. For example, Shedeur Sanders has been impressive at Browns practice, and the Colts are engaged in a quarterback battle[2].

### Financial and Roster Implications
Cutting or trading veterans can save teams significant amounts of money. For instance, releasing a high-salary player after June 1 can spread the cap hit over two years, providing more financial flexibility. This strategy is particularly important as teams navigate the complexities of the NFL salary cap[2].

In summary, the NFL is in a period of roster refinement, with the post-June 1 period being a key time for teams to make strategic moves to optimize their lineups and manage their salary caps. As teams continue through OTAs and approach training camp, fans can expect further roster adjustments that will shape the 2025 NFL season.