How do the roster cuts work?

[bradybunch]

When do you have to be down to a certain # and what is the #

I know its 53 for the games right?

Thanks
Matt

 

[DaBruinz]

Well, the new CBA changed the rules last year. I believe that the 1st cut down is to 75 and occurs after the 3rd pre-season game. However, with this cut-down, the NFLE exemptions no longer apply. Then, the the cutdown to 53 is the Sunday before the 1st game and the Monday teams can sign their practice squad players.

 

[pats1]

http://atlantafalcons.com/team/impDates.jsp

Offseason limit is 80, not counting any NFLE exemptions (Pats have 3), unsigned rookies (Pats have 9), and unsigned tendered players (Pats have 1 - Samuel).

AUGUST

28: Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players. (All NFLE exemptions expire)

SEPTEMBER

1: Roster cut-down to maximum of 53 players.
2: Teams may establish an 8-man practice squad at 12 noon.
6-10: Kickoff 2007 Weekend.

The March 2006 CBA changed the rules. In 2005, the first cutdown was to 65, but all NFLE exemptions stood.

 

[jct]

I think it is 53 on an active roster but 45 on a game roster, plus 1 emergency QB??

 

[pats1]

I think it is 53 on an active roster but 45 on a game roster, plus 1 emergency QB??

Correct, but those aren't exactly roster cuts.