While NFL roster cuts have all been made for the 2025 season, that is only one step in finalizing a 53-man roster. With over 1,000 players no longer employed, NFL teams will spend 24 or more hours perusing the list of players to add to both their 53-man roster and their practice squad. Things get underway on Wednesday afternoon, and considering the Detroit Lions’ initial roster only sits at 50 players, expect Wednesday to be an active day for them.

So here’s a little reminder of how the second step in roster management works during cutdown week.

Who is on the waiver wire?

When cut, a player is either “waived” or “released.” If a player has four or more “credited seasons”* in the NFL, they are considered a veteran and are released, meaning they are not subject to waivers and can sign any

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