Explaining the waiver process and practice squad requirements

Two common questions I get around roster cutdown time are:

1. How does the waiver process work?

2. How does the practice squad process work?

If you want to know how they both operate, it's important to know the definition of an "accrued season."



An accrued season is six or more games on a team's 53-man roster, injured reserve (IR) or physically unable to perform (PUP).

Now, let's tackle the waiver process. Before the October 30 trade deadline, veterans (players with four or more accrued seasons) are not subject to waivers. This means the following released Patriots are now able to sign with any team in the NFL, since they are now street free agents:

1. Brandon Bolden


2. Marquis Flowers


3. Brian Schwenke


4. Mike Gillislee


5. Matt Tobin