NFL teams finalize rosters following extensive cuts and weekend trades

NFL teams completed roster reductions on August 31, releasing 1,184 players league-wide. Among the notable roster moves, the Tennessee Titans released quarterback Will Levis, while the Denver Broncos cut tight end Justin Joly and the Minnesota Vikings moved on from veteran punter Johnny Hekker. Alongside the releases, teams executed over 10 trades throughout the weekend, including a deal that sent quarterback Quinn Ewers from the Miami Dolphins to the Jacksonville Jaguars. All 32 NFL clubs now shift focus to the waiver wire process, where teams will submit claims for released players with fewer than four years of professional experience. The claim priority for this process follows the 2026 NFL draft order, granting the Las Vegas Raiders the first right of refusal for all available players. Teams have until 1:00 p.m. ET to finalize these claims as they prepare for the start of the regular season.

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