NFL waiver wire rules explained: How Dolphins stand in making roster moves

The Miami Dolphins, who are at the bottom of the waiver order, face a challenging situation as they cut 38 players from their roster. Waivers are a process by which teams can release players, making their contracts claimable by any other team. These claims must be made within 24 hours of a player being waived, usually at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

The league processes all claims the following day, typically at 1 p.m. Eastern. If a team is already at the 53-man roster limit and receives a waiver claim, they must waive or release an additional player. Waived players with four years of service time become free agents immediately, while others are subject to the waiver process.

Teams can then sign cleared waiver players to their 53-man roster or practice squad, with practice squad signings requiring a two-step process. Teams in front of Miami in the waiver order, such as the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, could potentially block any moves the Dolphins attempt.