NFL 2026 Waiver Wire Rules and Order

The 53-man cutdown deadline is 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 30 after which time every NFL team must be at 53 players. Rosters will be reduced from 90 players to 53 players, which means each team makes 37 cuts.

Vested veterans (played four or more accrued seasons) are not subject to waivers and become free agents immediately; players with fewer seasons must clear waivers first.

Teams can start signing player to their practice squads, which can hold up to 16 players, or 17 with the International Player designation.