How are NFL teams awarded players during the waiver process?

NFL teams are awarded players during the waiver process based on the inverse order of their win-loss record from the previous season. This means that teams that performed worse in the last season have a higher priority for claiming players who have been waived by other teams. The rationale behind this system is to promote parity within the league by providing less successful teams with the opportunity to improve their rosters before more successful teams.

This priority system allows teams at the bottom of the standings to potentially acquire talented players, which can help them become more competitive. This approach contrasts with a lottery system, which would not take previous performance into account or allow a structured method for teams to improve based on their past results. The idea of awarding players based on games won during the current season is also not applicable, as it would favor teams already doing well and limit opportunities for those struggling. Additionally, the idea of a player-request system would imply a level of control from the players that does not exist within the waiver structure, as teams ultimately have the decision-making power in the waiver claim process.