NFL
How many players can NFL teams have in training camp?
As NFL training camps begin, it’s a yearly reminder that the upcoming season is just around the corner. What is the roster size at the start of the season?
Teams are gearing up for action as the countdown to another NFL season begins. It’s been five months since the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, and the anticipation of the NFL’s return is rapidly intensifying. Training camps will shortly substitute the tedious, football-deprived summer days for all 32 NFL teams.
For rookies looking to secure a spot on their team’s roster, training camps offer a crucial chance to prove themselves. The start dates for training camps vary among NFL teams, with some requiring rookies to arrive earlier than veterans. However, it’s safe to assume that all groups will have their players report between mid to late July. In fact, the Baltimore Ravens rookies have already begun reporting as early as today, July 13.
Adding to the excitement of training camps are the fans who are allowed to see their favorite star players up close and personal before the start of the new season. Most teams host open practices for the public, allowing players to showcase their skills to fans and earn their affection.
How many players can NFL teams have on their roster for training camp?
During training camp, NFL teams can have a maximum of 90 players on their roster. This limit encompasses all players under contract, such as rookies and veterans, as well as any additional players invited for tryouts or to fill in during preseason practices. In the past, there was a series of cut dates until the teams eventually reached the final 53-man roster, but in 2023, the NFL got rid of that. Now, teams only must have 53 on the roster on the final cutdown deadline, and can have as many as the maximum 90 allowed between now and then. The final date that NFL teams must have the rosters to a maximum 53 is August 27 at 4 p.m. ET.