The annual frenzy of NFL transactions happens this weekend

This weekend, NFL teams will undergo their annual flurry of roster cuts as they prepare for the upcoming season. Each team must trim its roster from 90 players down to the 53-man limit. The cuts are a necessary part of the sport, as the demand for players vastly outweighs the supply.

Players who are released with four or more years of service are automatically considered free agents, while others enter the waiver system. Any team can claim a player on waivers, with the order of selection determined by the 2026 draft order. The team with the first pick, the Raiders, gets first dibs on all waived players.

The roster cuts typically occur on the Saturday following Labor Day, but this year the first game was moved to Sunday, prompting the process to shift to the following Sunday. The practice squad, with up to 16 players per team, provides some relief from the roster cuts.

For those who don't make the 53-man roster, the journey isn't over. Many will wait for tryouts, either through short-term injured reserve or by finding a new team. Though the process is harsh, it's a fundamental step in building a successful team.