Explanation of the early cut rule...
 

NFL | Changes made to free agent system
Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:51:19 -0800

ESPN.com's John Clayton reports one of the changes in the free agent system, courtesy of the new collective bargaining agreement, is called post June 1 designations. Under the new system, teams have the ability to designate two players for June 1 release now in order to spread remaining signing bonus prorations into next year. Each team is allowed two designations per season. Because of the late start to free agency, teams are giving a one-year grace period on the June 1 designations. They can name their two players at any time before June 1. Next year and in the remaining five years of the CBA, teams have to make their decision before the start of free agency.