How does NFL waiver wire work?

Answer 1

The Waiver Wire works like this:

• Team A signs Player X to a contract
• Player X makes the roster and is on the team during the regular season
• Team A decides it no longer wants Plaer X on its roster
• Team A terminates the players contract, releasing him from his duties
• Before Player X becomes a free agent, he hits the Waiver Wire
• When his name goes on the waiver wire, every team in the NFL has the option to pick up the players original contract (the one Player X originally signed with Team A)
• The Waiver Wire is like the NFL Draft in that teams with the worst records get first crack at the players who have been released
• Once a team passes on the player then they cannot go back and claim him
• If no team signs the player, then he becomes an unrestrictd free agent.