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Titans, Panthers, Saints Cut Players as Rosters Shrink

8/30/2026

42 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

NFL Teams Cut

NFL teams cut players as rosters shrink to 53.
Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales waives six players on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints release 25-year-old kicker Charlie Smyth after mixed preseason.
Kansas City Chiefs release rookie linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and cornerback Zelmar Vedder.
Tennessee Titans tell second-round pick Will Levis he will be cut on August 30.

Summary

NFL Announces Deadline

The NFL sets the waiver deadline for 6 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 30.
Teams must submit waiver claims by Monday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. ET.
Waiver priority follows the 2026 draft order and remains unchanged through Week 3.
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons are waived.
Players with four or more accrued seasons become unrestricted free agents.

History

Historical Context

In 1978 the NFL expanded the season from 14 to 16 games and added two wild-card spots, creating a ten-team playoff. It also introduced the five-yard “Mel Blount” contact rule and a side judge, standardizing play. Today’s August 30 waiver deadline, which forces teams like the Panthers and Saints to cut to the 53-man limit, mirrors that 1978 drive for uniform competitive balance.

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NFL Teams Cut

NFL teams cut players as rosters shrink to 53.
Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales waives six players on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints release 25-year-old kicker Charlie Smyth after mixed preseason.
Kansas City Chiefs release rookie linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and cornerback Zelmar Vedder.
Tennessee Titans tell second-round pick Will Levis he will be cut on August 30.

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