The New England Patriots are about to make serious waves across the NFL, with 37 roster moves coming down the pipe by Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. ET. After their preseason showdown against the Cleveland Browns, Belichick’s squad has to slash its 90-man roster. While most guys will just get cut, a huge chunk of those personnel changes are gonna involve the waiver wire. This isn’t just a simple release; it’s a system that could shake up rosters across all 32 NFL teams.
What Actually Happens When A Player Is Waived
So, what’s the deal with “waived” versus “released?” It’s important. When a player is “released,” especially a “vested veteran” with at least four years of accrued NFL service time, they immediately become a free agent. Their contract is done, and they can sign anywhere. But for players who have less than four years of service, it’s a different game. They get “waived,” meaning they’re put on the waiver wire, and any team can claim them and assume their current contract. The claim order? It’s based on the NFL Draft order from this past April, no trades messing it up. Teams all file claims at the same time, and only the team highest in that order successfully picks up the player. If no one claims a waived player, they officially become a free agent and can sign wherever they want, even back on their old team’s practice squad. High stakes, right?
Who Actually Lands On This Waiver Roller Coaster?
This waiver wire process primarily snags players not yet eligible for unrestricted free agency status. We’re talking exclusive rights free agents (less than three years of service) or restricted free agents (three years of service). These are dudes still trying to prove themselves, battling for their spot. For the Patriots specifically, a massive 40 of their current depth players , not the starters or main backups , are going to have to navigate this waiver gauntlet. They’ve gotta pass through the wire, hoping not to get snatched up, before they can even think about hitting the open market. It’s a make-or-break moment for a ton of talent.
The Patriots Players On The Hot Seat
Get ready to see new names potentially popping up on other teams’ rosters! The Patriots are sending a whole list of guys to the waiver wire. On offense: QB Mehren Morton, RBs Lan Larison and Jam Miller, plus wideouts Cameron Dorner, Kyle Dixon, Nick DeGennaro, and Tejhaun Palmer. Tight ends Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and C.J. Dippre are also seeing cuts. The offensive line is getting thinned, too, with OT Dametrious Crownover, OT Lorenz Metz, OL Jacob Rizy, OL Joseph Michalski, OL Darrian Dalcourt, OL Jack Conley, OL Mehki Butler, and OL JonDarius Morgan. And on defense, DT Eric Gregory is hitting the wire. That’s a huge list of guys who could find new homes and make an impact elsewhere!
This Sunday’s deadline is more than just the Patriots trimming their fat. It’s an opportunity for every team out there to scoop up raw talent, guys who could develop into key pieces. Keep your eyes locked on the NFL transactions because the next few days are going to be wild, with careers on the line and rosters getting reshaped. Who’s gonna make a move? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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