Overview
- Teams must submit waiver claims by 1:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 31, and claims filed by that deadline will determine which clubs acquire the players released after final roster cuts.
- The initial waiver priority equals the 2026 NFL draft order, with the Las Vegas Raiders first followed by the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants near the top.
- That draft-order priority will remain in effect through the first three regular-season weeks and then change to a standings-based priority starting after Sept. 29.
- CBS and team outlets published lists of top available waiver candidates who are expected to draw claims, including safety Taylor Rapp, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, linebacker Elandon Roberts and interior lineman Evan Neal.
- Because players claimed on waivers can be placed immediately on a 53-man roster, teams with higher priority can plug starters or depth pieces right away and that can reshape early-season lineups and practice-squad decisions.