NFL roster cuts 2024: What happens next for the players who didn’t make the cut?

For many players, this time of year is filled with uncertainty as they await the final call on their NFL futures. While some athletes achieve their dream of making the active roster, many others are left facing the harsh reality of being cut. But for those who don’t make the final roster, the journey isn’t necessarily over.

What options do players cut by their NFL team have?

Waivers and free agency:

For players with fewer than four NFL seasons played, the first step after being cut is the waiver wire. When a player is placed on waivers, all 31 other teams have a 24-hour window to claim that player and add them to their own 53-man roster.

If a player goes unclaimed during the waiver period, they become an unrestricted free agent. Players with four or more seasons bypass the waiver process altogether and immediately enter free agency.

Practice squad:

For many players who don’t make the final roster, the practice squad offers a crucial lifeline. Each NFL team can maintain a practice squad of up to 16 players, providing those who didn’t make the 53-man roster a chance to continue to impress coaches, for this author, many of the best NFL players have come from the practice squad.

Tryouts:

The NFL is a league of constant change, with injuries, trades, and performance issues regularly creating openings on rosters throughout the season. Players who didn’t make the initial 53-man roster often stay in shape and continue training, ready to jump at the next opportunity.

Being cut from an NFL roster is undoubtedly a difficult experience, but it doesn’t have to be the end of a player’s football journey. Whether through waivers, the practice squad, tryouts, or opportunities in other leagues, there are many paths forward for those who remain dedicated to making it to the pros.