The NFL Reserve/Retired List is a roster designation used when a player retires while still under contract with a team. Although the player is no longer active, the team retains his NFL rights if he decides to return to football in the future.
This designation allows teams to open a roster spot while maintaining control over the player’s contract, preventing him from immediately signing with another franchise if he later comes out of retirement.
How Does the NFL Reserve/Retired List Work?
When a player officially retires while under contract, his team can place him on the Reserve/Retired List. Once added to the list:
- The player is no longer eligible to play in NFL games.
- The team gains an open roster spot.
- The player’s contractual rights remain with his current team.
- The player cannot sign with another NFL team unless his rights are released or traded.
- The contract is effectively paused until the player is reinstated.
If the player decides to return to football, he must first be reinstated by the NFL before he can resume playing.
Can a Retired NFL Player Sign With Another Team?
No. A player on the Reserve/Retired List cannot simply join another team.
Instead, one of the following must happen:
- The player is reinstated by the NFL.
- His original team activates him and keeps him.
- His original team trades his rights to another franchise.
- His original team releases him, allowing him to become a free agent.
Until one of those steps occurs, the original team continues to own the player’s NFL rights.
Does the Reserve/Retired List Affect the Salary Cap?
Generally, a player placed on the Reserve/Retired List no longer receives his playing salary because he is not actively participating.
However, salary cap implications depend on the structure of the player’s contract.
Possible cap considerations include:
- Remaining signing bonus proration may continue to count against the salary cap.
- Guaranteed money may still have cap implications.
- Teams may pursue repayment of portions of signing bonuses if allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the player’s contract.
Each situation varies based on contract language and NFL salary cap rules.
Why Teams Use the Reserve/Retired List
The designation benefits both teams and players by:
- Freeing an active roster spot.
- Preserving a team’s contractual rights.
- Preventing players from immediately joining another franchise after retiring.
- Allowing a clear path for a future return if the player changes his mind.
Notable NFL Players Who Were Placed on the Reserve/Retired List
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski retired following the 2018 season while under contract with the New England Patriots. When he decided to return in 2020, the Patriots still owned his rights and later traded him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders unexpectedly retired before the 1999 season while still under contract with the Detroit Lions. His rights remained with Detroit throughout his retirement.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady briefly announced his retirement following the 2021 season before reversing his decision and returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His situation demonstrated how retirement announcements and contractual rights can affect a player’s return.
Reserve/Retired List vs. Released
| Reserve/Retired List | Released |
|---|---|
| Team retains player’s rights | Player generally becomes a free agent |
| Player cannot sign elsewhere | Player may sign with another team (subject to waiver rules) |
| Contract is paused | Contract is terminated |
| Frees a roster spot | Frees a roster spot |
| Used after retirement | Used when a team ends the player’s contract |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NFL Reserve/Retired List?
It is a roster designation for players who retire while under contract. The team retains the player’s rights if he later decides to return.
Can a player come out of retirement?
Yes. The player must be reinstated and return to the team that owns his rights unless that team trades or releases him.
Does a retired player still get paid?
Generally, no. Once on the Reserve/Retired List, players typically stop receiving their playing salary, although contract guarantees and salary cap treatments can vary.
Does the Reserve/Retired List count against the 53-man roster?
No. A player on the Reserve/Retired List does not occupy a spot on the team’s active 53-man roster.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Reserve/Retired List is an important roster mechanism that protects a team’s contractual rights while allowing players to step away from football. Unlike a release, retirement does not automatically make a player a free agent. If that player later decides to return, his original team generally controls where he plays next.
Understanding the Reserve/Retired List provides valuable insight into how NFL contracts, roster management, and player movement work behind the scenes.