Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Roster Cuts Trigger a Wave of Waiver Claims and Practice-Squad Moves
9/1/2026, 8:22:28 AM
Core Event – Teams Reduce to 53 Players, Opening the Waiver Market
All 32 NFL clubs cut their offseason rosters to the 53-player limit by the league’s deadline. Players with fewer than four accrued seasons become subject to waivers, and teams have until the following Monday at 1 p.m. ET to submit claims. When multiple clubs claim the same player, the higher placement in the opening waiver order receives the player.
Background & Context – How the Waiver Order Is Set and Who Is Exempt
The opening waiver order mirrors the 2026 NFL Draft order, which reflects the final standings from the 2025 season. Even if a team traded its first-round pick, its original draft slot determines its waiver priority. Players with at least four accrued seasons are vested veterans; they are not subject to waivers and become unrestricted free agents immediately upon release.
Data & Statistics – Top Available Players and Practice-Squad Limits
The initial waiver pool includes a mix of veterans, recent draft picks and promising undrafted free agents. The ten most-claimed players listed by league trackers are: safety Taylor Rapp, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, linebacker Elandon Roberts, interior offensive lineman Evan Neal, wide receivers Cedric Tillman and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, running backs Trey Benson and Jaydon Blue, and quarterback Jake Browning.
Practice-squad construction begins at noon the day after the waiver deadline. Teams may carry up to 17 players, but one slot must be filled by an International Player Pathway (IPP) participant; if a club opts not to use the IPP slot, the squad is limited to 16 players. Six of the spots can be filled by veterans, while the remaining eleven are reserved for younger players who must first clear waivers.
Official Statements & Responses – Teams Explain High-Profile Cuts
The Tennessee Titans released former No. 33 overall pick Will Levis, noting he fell behind Cam Ward, Mitchell Trubisky and Hendon Hooker on the depth chart. The New York Giants confirmed the cut of interior lineman Evan Neal. The Dallas Cowboys waived running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, citing the emergence of Malik Davis as the primary backup to starter Javonte Williams. The Miami Dolphins traded quarterback Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville after waiving backup Cam Miller, describing the move as part of a “reset” of their quarterback room.
On-the-Ground Reports – Surprises and Player Reactions
Analysts highlighted unexpected releases, such as veteran punter Johnny Hekker being cut by the Minnesota Vikings in favor of undrafted rookie Brett Thorson. The Rams retained three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald on a one-year, $20 million contract after a two-year retirement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Unclear Paths for Certain Positions
Reports differ on the exact number of quarterbacks each team will retain after the cuts. Some outlets noted the Vikings, Falcons, Steelers and Eagles initially kept four quarterbacks, but later updates indicated the Vikings waived Max Brosmer, reducing their active roster to three. No definitive roster-size plan has been confirmed for the remaining teams.
What’s Next – Ongoing Waiver Claims and Practice-Squad Assembly
Teams continue to file waiver claims through the Monday deadline, after which the league will publish the finalized list of awarded players. Starting at noon the following day, clubs may begin assembling practice squads, balancing veteran depth with developmental prospects while complying with the IPP requirement. The composition of these squads will shape each franchise’s ability to address injuries and performance gaps during the early weeks of the 2026 regular season.
