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Eagles officially get cap space boost thanks to release of Darius Slay and James Bradberry

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 9:01 PM ET

In the NFL, the June 1 rule is all about helping teams manage their salary cap when they cut or trade players.

If a team moves on from a player before June 1, all the remaining bonus money on that player's deal hits the cap right away, which can hurt financially. However, if they wait until after June 1 or use a “June 1 designation,” the cap hit is spread out over two years, part this year, part next year. That gives the team more breathing room right now, which can be super helpful for signing rookies or free agents. Teams can only use this trick on two players per year, but it’s a smart way to soften the blow of cutting expensive veterans.

For the Eagles, they used the post-June 1 designation on cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, which helped them get a nice salary cap space boost.

According to Over The Cap, the Eagles gained a total of $6.42 million in cap space today, thanks to Slay and Bradberry.

That brings their salary cap space total to $27 million.

"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," writes Eagles reporter Anthony DiBona.

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

The Eagles' decision to move on from Slay was strictly a financial business decision and not one they necessarily wanted to make.

In five seasons with the Eagles, Slay appeared in 74 games and logged nine interceptions, 56 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. He was also a major reason why rookie cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell made a smooth transition from college to the professional level.

Letting go of Braderry, however, had more to due with injuries and his dip in production.

Bradberry, an original second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2016, spent four seasons in Carolina and two seasons with the New York Giants before signing with the Eagles in 2022. He earned his first All-Pro nod that year, which led to the Eagles signing him to a three-year, $38 million contract extension in March of 2023. Through seven NFL seasons so far, Bradberry has racked up 19 interceptions and 478 tackles in 125 games.

As DiBona noted, the Eagles' next boost in cap space will be when the trade deal involving Bryce Huff is official with the San Francisco 49ers.

That should bring Philly's salary cap space to roughly $30 million.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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