NFL moves roster cutdown date up from recent years’ timeline

The NFL has announced that the roster cutdown deadline to 53 players will move up by two days compared to recent years, now set for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST. Previously, teams had until the Tuesday following the preseason finale to finalize their rosters. Waiver claims must also be submitted by the following day at 1:00 p.m. EST, ahead of the regular season kickoff on September 9th.