Ravens waiver-wire priority: Rules, order, and what to know

Constructing the initial 53-man roster is only one stage of the Baltimore Ravens’ final preseason evaluation. The Ravens and the NFL’s other 31 teams must reach the 53-player limit by 6 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 30. After that deadline, Baltimore can use the waiver wire to pursue young players released e

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What is the story about?

Constructing the initial 53-man roster is only one stage of the Baltimore Ravens’ final preseason evaluation.

The Ravens and the NFL’s other 31 teams must reach the 53-player limit by 6 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 30. After that deadline, Baltimore can use the waiver wire to pursue young players released elsewhere. Baltimore owns the No. 14 position in the initial waiver order. Thirteen teams will have priority over the Ravens, while Baltimore will sit ahead of 18 other clubs, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Players with fewer than four credited NFL seasons are generally required to pass through waivers. Every team may submit a claim, but if multiple organizations pursue the same player, he is awarded

to the team with the highest priority.

The Ravens would inherit the player’s existing contract and would be required to place him on their active roster. A successful claim could therefore force Baltimore to make another cut or corresponding roster move. Claims on players waived during the final roster reduction must be submitted before 1 p.m. ET Monday, Aug. 31. Teams receive the results simultaneously through the NFL’s personnel notice. The system works differently for vested veterans. A player with at least four credited seasons who is released during this portion of the calendar becomes a free agent and can negotiate with any interested team without passing through waivers.

Baltimore’s position provides general manager Eric DeCosta with considerably more flexibility than several playoff contenders have. It also does not guarantee the Ravens will land a preferred target if teams near the top of the order become involved. The initial order is based on the final 2025 standings and corresponding 2026 draft order. It will remain unchanged through the first three weekends of the regular season. After that point, waiver priority will reflect the current league standings, with the teams holding the worst records moving to the top.

The Ravens’ first 53-man roster should consequently be viewed as a starting point. Injuries, waiver claims and veteran signings could all change its composition before the regular season begins.