How is the priority order for waivers typically established for NFL teams?

The priority order for waivers in the NFL is established primarily by the previous season's win-loss record, with the teams having worse records receiving higher priority for claiming players who are waived by other teams. This system is designed to promote competitive balance within the league by allowing teams that performed poorly in the prior season a better chance to acquire talent and improve their rosters.

For teams with the same record, the tiebreaker generally follows the reverse order of the draft order. Hence, a team with a poorer performance in the past season is given the opportunity to make moves that can enhance their future competitiveness, creating incentives for teams to improve.

In contrast, other options do not play a role in determining waiver priority. Team revenue, player seniority, and geographic location do not affect the waiver wire; they relate to different aspects of team management or league operations rather than the specific process for claiming waived players. Understanding this waiver system is crucial for agents and teams alike, as it directly impacts roster decisions and team strategies.