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The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t used to being in this situation, starting off the year 0-3, but here we are. As the team prepares for the Cincinnati Bengals, also 0-3, in Week 4 on Monday Night Football, something has taken place across the NFL which usually doesn’t impact the Steelers, but does now.
After three games the NFL’s waiver claim order is no longer reflective of a team’s 2018 performance, but of their current record in 2019.
This per Field Yates of ESPN:
Effective today, the NFL’s waiver claim order will be reflective of 2019 records, not 2018. It now stands at the top as:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 24, 2019
T-1. Broncos (0-3)
T-1. Redskins (0-3)
3. Jets (0-3)
T-4. Bengals (0-3)
T-4. Dolphins (0-3)
T-4. Steelers (0-3)
7. Cardinals (0-2-1)
So, what does this mean? If there is a player who is cut from a team, they are then put on the waiver wire for teams to claim them. If more than one team puts in a claim for a player, they use the above order to decipher who gets the player.
The Steelers were on the wrong end of this equation before the season when they attempted to get former Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones off waivers, but he was awarded to the Cleveland Browns due to them being higher on the list. If this same situation played out prior to Week 4, it would be the Steelers, not the Browns, who would be awarded the player due to their current record, and not their 2018 record.
This all means nothing unless there is a player worth claiming comes available at some point. But when you have a team who has yet to register a win, no one should be overlooked if it means potentially upgrading a particular position.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for Week 4, and hopefully their first win.