Several of you have asked for an explanation of the procedure for securing the rights to a player on waivers. Since it doesn’t take much time, thought, or effort, I decided to do it.
First, priority is determined based on record. Per a league source, here’s the current list: (1) Colts; (2) Panthers; (3) Rams; (4) Vikings; (5) Cardinals; (6) Redskins; (7) Jaguars; (8) Dolphins; (9) Chiefs; (10) Browns; (11) Eagles; (12) Chargers; (13) Seahawks; (14) Buccaneers; (15) Titans; (16) Bills; (17) Jets; (18) Broncos; (19) Giants; (20) Raiders; (21) Bengals; (22) Cowboys; (23) Falcons; (24) Saints; (25) Texans; (26) Ravens; (27) Steelers; (28) Patriots; (29) Lions; (30) Bears; (31) 49ers; and (32) Packers.
Second, claims are made without knowing who else has made a claim. Thus, every team that wants Orton must make a claim, and his contract will be awarded based on application of the priority list.
Third, the window closes at 4:00 p.m. ET. Thereafter, word as to where Orton is heading surely will surface, along with a list of all other teams that put in a claim.
Fourth, several of you have asked for an explanation of the respective rights of the team and the player if the player doesn’t want to play for the team that picks him. I’ll post an explanation of the process after PFT Live. I’ll possibly touch on the procedure during the show, which hopefully will give you another reason to tune in at 12:00 p.m. ET.
While I’m pushing PFT Live, I’ll also address the latest developments in the Tebowmania phenomenon, and I’ll explain what the Jets are doing by giving Mark Brunell reps with the first-team offense, based on some of the non-profane words from the mouth of Rex Ryan.