The NFL has officially released the 2025 waiver wire order, setting the stage for how teams will claim players who are released during the season. This order can play a major role in shaping rosters, especially in the early weeks of the campaign.
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Full 2025 NFL Waiver Wire Order
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
- San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Miami Dolphins
- Indianapolis Colts
- Atlanta Falcons
- Arizona Cardinals
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Denver Broncos
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Rams
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Washington Commanders
- Buffalo Bills
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Philadelphia Eagles
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How the NFL Waiver Wire Works
The waiver wire is designed to give struggling teams the first chance to improve their rosters. When a player is waived, teams have the opportunity to submit a claim. The order is set based on reverse standings from the previous season, with the worst teams getting priority.
Key Difference from Fantasy Football
Unlike fantasy football leagues, the NFL’s waiver wire doesn’t operate on a “use and lose” priority system. Instead, teams can claim as many players as they want without losing their spot in the order.
For example, if the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 1 waiver spot, want to claim four players, they will successfully land all four—regardless of what teams behind them do. This creates a major competitive advantage for clubs at the top of the order.
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Why It Matters
The waiver wire is especially important in three scenarios:
- Training Camp & Preseason Cuts: When veterans and fringe players are released, rebuilding teams can add depth.
- Early Regular Season Moves: Injuries often hit hard in September and October, making the waiver wire crucial for filling immediate needs.
- Late-Season Adjustments: Contending teams sometimes take risks by waiving younger players, giving bottom-tier teams the chance to scoop up talent.
For fans, it’s a reminder that roster construction is never truly finished. Even after the draft and free agency, the waiver wire remains a critical tool for shaping a team’s future.
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Bottom line: The 2025 NFL waiver wire order gives the league’s rebuilding franchises the first opportunity to grab talent. With no penalty for multiple claims, the top teams in the order—like the Titans, Browns, and Giants—have a major chance to reshape their rosters before and during the season.
