The Business of the NFL: Zach Harrison’s Roster Journey

Atlanta Falcons to manage their 53-man squad during the 2026 preseason. It highlights the case of Zach Harrison, a talented defensive lineman who was briefly waived after the team successfully claimed three new players from other organizations. Despite the risk of losing him to a rival team, Harrison cleared the waiver process and was quickly re-signed to the practice squad. General Manager Ian Cunningham characterizes this sequence as a "gut punch" that illustrates the difficult business decisions required in professional football. The article also provides a glimpse into the team's broader landscape, including the induction of legendary players into the Ring of Honor and the selection of new team captains. Ultimately, the source serves as a case study on the high-stakes roster construction and athlete dedication found within the NFL.