Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31

NFL Waiver Wire Puts 13 Cut Players in Focus as Raiders Hold No. 1 Claim Priority

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31

NFL Waiver Wire Puts 13 Cut Players in Focus as Raiders Hold No. 1 Claim Priority

Q: Will a team risk a waiver claim on Mory Bamba's elite athleticism despite a knee injury sidelining him early this season?

Probably not on waivers, at least not widely. Bamba’s traits are exactly the kind teams like to stash — 6-foot-2, reported sub-4.3 speed, elite explosion, outside-corner length, and proven special-teams value as a gunner — but the knee injury significantly lowers the chance that a team uses an immediate 53-man claim on him. The case for a claim is real. In the Jets’ preseason opener, Bamba had five tackles and four pass breakups, and coaches publicly praised both his coverage flashes and his special-teams work. His athletic profile is rare enough that a team with a thin corner room or a strong developmental track record could decide the upside is worth the short-term inconvenience. But waiver claims are usually about immediate roster utility at the back end of the 53. Bamba is an undrafted rookie with limited college production, unfinished technique, and a knee issue expected to sideline him for at least a couple of weeks. That matters because teams often prefer healthy depth players who can practice right away, cover kicks immediately, and survive game-day duty if needed. So the likelier outcome is that Bamba clears waivers and draws practice-squad interest, either from the Jets or another club. That route fits his profile: intriguing enough to develop, but not healthy enough right now to justify many teams burning a roster spot. A claim is possible if a club is especially sold on the athletic upside, but his injury makes it more of a long shot than a probable move.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31

Thirteen cut players with three or fewer accrued seasons were flagged as the top potential waiver additions after NFL teams reduced rosters to 53.
Monday’s waiver period runs until 1 p.m. ET, and claims are awarded by 2025 standings order, giving the Las Vegas Raiders first priority if multiple teams target the same player.
Defensive backs dominate the board, led by Bengals nickel Bralyn Lux and Eagles versatile DB Kapena Gushiken, with both praised for coverage instincts and special teams value.
Arizona tackle Christian Jones ranked as the top offensive lineman after showing swing-tackle ability, while Chargers running back Gregory Desrosiers boosted his case with 118 yards and a touchdown in Week 3.
The list reflects how teams now rework the back end of their rosters from a pool of hundreds of newly available players, while vested veterans bypass waivers and become free agents.