NFL waiver wire explained: How it affects the Arizona Cardinals in 2026

Part of the preparation is getting the roster down to 53, and as that is happening, also working the waiver wire to add players they think can help them in 2026 and maybe even beyond.

Players with less than four accrued seasons who are waived are subject to the waiver wire, where any team that claims them picks up their current contract. Any player claimed off the waiver wire must added to the claiming team's active 53-man roster. If they pass through waivers unclaimed, they become free agents and are free to sign with any team's practice squad they choose, which includes their prior team.

The waiver order is set by the original 2026 NFL Draft order for the first three weeks of the season, one that does not include trades, which means the Arizona Cardinals are third in the waiver wire priority.