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Raiders lead NFL waiver wire order after roster cuts on cutdown day

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 2:01 AM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Raiders lead NFL waiver wire order after roster cuts on cutdown day

Summary

NFL teams are finalizing their rosters by trimming down to 53 players ahead of the 2026 regular season, with a deadline of 6 p.m. ET on August 30. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the top position in the waiver wire order, giving them the first chance to claim any waived players. Teams can submit claims until 1 p.m. ET on August 31, based on the order determined by the 2026 NFL Draft standings. This order will remain static for the first three weeks of the season before aligning with league standings. Additionally, teams will begin constructing their practice squads starting at 12 p.m. ET on August 31.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Cutdown day requires NFL teams to finalize 53-man rosters.
•Waiver claims for waived players are open until August 31.
•Raiders are first in the waiver order, followed by Jets and Cardinals.
•Practice squad formations begin after the waiver period ends.
•Vested veterans are not subject to waivers and become free agents.

Latest Updates

3:09 PMYahoo Sports — NFL waiver wire order following 2026 cutdown day, led by the Raiders
2:01 AMCBS NFL — NFL waiver wire tracker: Every team's claims after 53-man roster cuts
4:14 PMCBS NFL — NFL waiver wire order for 2026: Where all 32 teams rank after roster cuts, plus a practice squad explainer

What they're saying

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The Raiders have the first opportunity to claim waived players as NFL teams trim their rosters to 53 ahead of the regular season
— CBS NFLby Tyler Sullivan