The annual frenzy of NFL transactions happens this weekend
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 90 players to 53 by Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET, triggering a wave of cuts, practice squad signings, and waiver claims.
- Players with four or more years of service become free agents immediately upon release, while others go through the waiver system, where teams claim players based on the 2026 draft order.
- The roster cut deadline was moved earlier this year due to the NFL season starting on the Wednesday after Labor Day, accelerating the roster decision process.
- Practice squads, expanded to 16 players per team, provide additional opportunities for players not making the 53-man roster, with up to 512 spots available across the league.
- Despite the harsh nature of roster cuts, the process is ongoing throughout the season, with players continually trying out for teams, staying ready for potential opportunities.
