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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/Exciting-Value-1459 on 2024-08-29 03:40:40+00:00.

Saw a lot of questions about how certain roster moves work, so here goes:

Basics

  • 53 players on NFL roster
  • Only 48 active/dressed on gameday
  • Players on reserve lists (PUP [physically unable to perform], injured, did not report, retired, suspended, etc.), do NOT count toward the 53-man limit.

Practice Squad (PS)

  • 16 players per PS, 17 if the 17th player is part of the International Player Pathway Program
  • Team can elevate up to 2 players from PS to 53 each week.
  • A player can be elevated up to 3 times per season. Upon a 3rd elevation, that player either has to join the 53 long-term or be waived/released.
  • PS players can be signed by anyone at any point, but they MUST join that team’s 53 and remain on it for at least 3 games if signed.
  • Teams can protect up to 4 PS players each week.
  • You CANNOT demote a player from 53 to PS directly. They must be either released or clear waivers first.

Waived vs. Released

  • An accrued season is a season in which a player spends at least 6 games on an NFL roster (being on a reserve list counts!, *the obvious ones don’t count)
  • Less than 4 accrued seasons = subject to waivers when released. Goes on the waiver wire.
  • 4 or more accrued seasons = NOT subject to waivers. Becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA).

Waiver Claims

  • Waiver order is based on draft order and adjusted each week. Worst record (Carolina) = 1st rights to any waived player. Best record (Kansas City *Super Bowl Winner) = last rights to any waived player.
  • Player claimed on waivers MUST join the 53. If a team does not have space, they must make space within 1 hour.
  • Claiming a player off waivers ALSO claims the rest of the player’s existing contract.
  • If nobody claims a player off waivers, that player becomes a UFA.

Free Agency

  • UFA’s can sign with anyone at any time. They can be signed to PS or to the 53.
  • A Restricted Free Agent (RFA) is a player with less than 4 accrued seasons and an expired contract. Team has the right to match a contract offer from another team and retain the player.