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Adamski47
02-12-2004, 10:49 AM
Does the NFL have/use a waiver system for releasing players? If so, how does it work? Does the original team still have to pay the pro-rated bonuses?

I'm trying to keep my sim league as real as possible and would like to implement a waiver system if the NFL uses one...something tells me they don't.
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 11:32 AM
Yes, the NFL does use a waiver system for releasing players. The team claiming the player picks up the remainder of the contract, but all the signing bonus cap issues stay with the original team.

The claim is awarded based on the worst record to best record. Before the season beings, last seasons records are used. I also think the prior seasons' record is used for the first 4 weeks of the new season, then it reverts to current standings.

If you were going to use this in a multiplayer league, the best way to carry it out would be to just trade the player to the team claiming him.
TLK
02-12-2004, 11:34 AM
Yeah, there's a wavier system present in the NFL.... When Kevin Johnson was released earlier this year, the Lions lost out to the Jags on account of their respective records. The Jags who did end-up with Johnson were only responsible for the year left on his contract.

[edit- beat to the punch]
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 11:37 AM
Yeah, there's a wavier system present in the NFL.... When Kevin Johnson was released earlier this year, the Lions lost out to the Jags on account of their respective records. The Jags who did end-up with Johnson were only responsible for the year left on his contract.

[edit- beat to the punch]
Yep, that's what happens when multiple claims are made. I believe the Jets also made a claim on him, and he went to the team with the worst record (Jacksonville).
Adamski47
02-12-2004, 11:39 AM
Ok great. Where can I find out if week 4 is the last week that still uses last year's record?
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 11:42 AM
Ok great. Where can I find out if week 4 is the last week that still uses last year's record?
im not sure. I was searching for some more info but I'm coming up blank. :(
Adamski47
02-12-2004, 12:12 PM
Well, what about for June 1st cuts? Those aren't via a waiver system are they?

What about when New England cut Lawyer Milloy? Did he really clear all the way to Buffalo? Something tells me he may have been cut outright with no waivers involved.

Could it be that the waiver system is only used DURING the regular season (since Milloy was cut before the regular season started (at least I think)? And all other times they are just released and anyone can sign them?

Either way, the original team is still stuck paying the bonuses etc.
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 12:16 PM
Well, what about for June 1st cuts? Those aren't via a waiver system are they?

What about when New England cut Lawyer Milloy? Did he really clear all the way to Buffalo? Something tells me he may have been cut outright with no waivers involved.

Could it be that the waiver system is only used DURING the regular season (since Milloy was cut before the regular season started (at least I think)? And all other times they are just released and anyone can sign them?

Either way, the original team is still stuck paying the bonuses etc.
I believe players above X number of years are not subject to the waiver system, they are released outright. I'm not sure how many seasons that is... my guess is 6 at MOST, but likely about 4.

Of course, i'm confused by the fact that Deion Sanders was *definitely* on waivers when Washington officially released him 1 or 2 years ago. San Diego claimed him in order to block Oakland from picking him up or signing him.
stevew
02-12-2004, 12:17 PM
Well, what about for June 1st cuts? Those aren't via a waiver system are they?

What about when New England cut Lawyer Milloy? Did he really clear all the way to Buffalo? Something tells me he may have been cut outright with no waivers involved.

Could it be that the waiver system is only used DURING the regular season (since Milloy was cut before the regular season started (at least I think)? And all other times they are just released and anyone can sign them?

Either way, the original team is still stuck paying the bonuses etc.

It may have been that Nobody that wanted Milloy could fit him under the cap at his current years salary. APparently thats why he got cut in the first place.
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 12:17 PM
Either way, the original team is still stuck paying the bonuses etc.
That is a definite. The team just picks up the contract moving forward.
cthomer5000
02-12-2004, 12:22 PM
Could it be that the waiver system is only used DURING the regular season (since Milloy was cut before the regular season started (at least I think)? And all other times they are just released and anyone can sign them?I'm starting to think this is the case. The waivers are probably only in effect from after the first preseason game until after the super bowl.
Samdari
02-12-2004, 12:55 PM
I'm starting to think this is the case. The waivers are probably only in effect from after the first preseason game until after the super bowl.

I am starting to think that the reason noone hears about waivers in the offseason is that many of the cuts are due to high salaries. Almost every guy who is an FA because of a cut will noiselessly clear waivers because nobody wants to pay those salaries. In fact, some of those guys sign back with the team that cuts them in prearranged deals, but they have to wait to clear waivers first.
Adamski47
02-12-2004, 02:02 PM
I am starting to think that the reason noone hears about waivers in the offseason is that many of the cuts are due to high salaries. Almost every guy who is an FA because of a cut will noiselessly clear waivers because nobody wants to pay those salaries. In fact, some of those guys sign back with the team that cuts them in prearranged deals, but they have to wait to clear waivers first.

Not neccesarily though. Let's say a dude makes $5M for one year with 2M of that being the signing bonus. A team could cut this guy and free up $3M against the cap no questions asked.

Another team could then claim him off of waivers and pay him just the $2M base contract. So, even if every cut IS because of high salaries there is no reason that other teams would be forced to pass on him. In many cases it's a steal.
GrantDawg
02-12-2004, 02:04 PM
Not neccesarily though. Let's say a dude makes $5M for one year with 2M of that being the signing bonus. A team could cut this guy and free up $3M against the cap no questions asked.

Another team could then claim him off of waivers and pay him just the $2M base contract. So, even if every cut IS because of high salaries there is no reason that other teams would be forced to pass on him. In many cases it's a steal.
But his point was most of the times they do pass. You can still get these guys cheaper than what you'd have to pay him off the wire.
rkmsuf
02-12-2004, 02:05 PM
These days, you get cut with a 2 million base and 95% of the time it's veteran minimum city and some sort of longish deal with a bonus spread out. Or incentives...
Adamski47
02-12-2004, 02:08 PM
Dangit, why is this information so hard to find! Stupid yahoo.
mckerney
02-12-2004, 02:24 PM
I'm starting to think this is the case. The waivers are probably only in effect from after the first preseason game until after the super bowl.

I don't believe so. The Vikings picked up D'Wayne Bates off waivers a few years ago and it was done during the offseason.
rkmsuf
02-12-2004, 02:26 PM
I don't believe so. The Vikings picked up D'Wayne Bates off waivers a few years ago and it was done during the offseason.

That's really paid off. I'm still bitter about using him on my fantasy team thinking he'd benefit from the Moss double teams. Stand too close to the guy and he gets hurt and I doubt he could get open in the Lingerie League...