NFL clubs trim rosters to 53 at Sunday deadline

The cutdown released 1,184 players into the market

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 41 min read

What happened: The deadline fell at 6 p.m. ET Sunday, marking the league's first Sunday cut day in 22 years. Players with fewer than four accrued seasons entered waivers, with claims due Monday afternoon.

Why it matters: Every successful waiver claim occupies an active-roster spot, forcing another transaction when a club is full. Players who clear can return on practice-squad deals before Week 1.

By the numbers: Thirty-two clubs dropping from 90 players to 53 produced 1,184 releases and 1,696 active-roster spots. The league's 16-player practice squads offer another 512 positions.

What to watch: Practice-squad changes and late waiver moves will continue as clubs prepare for the 2026 season opener.

Sources

cbssports.com 2026-09-04T17:27:02.037902+00:00

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