June 1 is an essential date for the NFL, as the Philadelphia Eagles could be circling the date on their calendar for another reason.
For most NFL players' contracts, June 1 signals to the team that they can either trade or release them during the offseason for less money than they would if the date were before that point. NFL teams could be busy with making roster moves with less financial hits being taken.
This could work in the Eagles' favor as they seek to bolster their roster. One position group could be of interest to Philadelphia when June 1 comes around.
Eagles ready to reap from other teams' misfortune with signing players from one position group
CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin's recent article focused on the Super Bowl contenders and the positions they could target when the June 1 deadline arrives. Benjamin has the Eagles looking at making improvements to the defensive line to support the loss of Milton Williams in free agency.
"Jalen Carter alone makes the reigning champions formidable up front, but Milton Williams' exit in free agency could put added pressure on Jordan Davis to help Vic Fangio's defense stay afloat, especially as the edge group looks different as well."
The losses of Williams and Josh Sweat were felt this offseason as they were two of the primary starters on the defensive line. This left a gap at both tackle and edge positions for Philadelphia to fill with free agents, allowing younger players to start.
Carter and Davis make for the perfect duo at defensive tackle as they are two of the best at the position in the NFL. Moro Ojomo is another young player expected to take a starting job on the defensive line. Off the edge, it will be Nolan Smith Jr. as one of the starters with Jalyx Hunt in line for the other starting spot.
Philadelphia added Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, and Patrick Johnson in free agency this offseason off the edge. The Eagles also selected Ty Robinson in the 2025 NFL Draft for depth on the defensive line.
While the defensive line and edge rushers aren't short of players, there are too many questions surrounding them for the Eagles not to look around. Huff was already offloaded as he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, which will save the team about $15 million.
Outside of Carter and Davis, the tackle/defensive line positions need some depth there as well. It'll be worth monitoring to see if the Eagles add another tackle to back them up.
For now, the Eagles need to hope their starting players in the front seven can stay healthy. Otherwise, they will be buyers in free agency anytime after June 1 prior to the regular season.
