logo
logo

Untitled design (23).webp

NFL Practice Squad Salary: How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make?

NFL Practice Squad Salary: How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make?


Logo
No2MinWarning
Updated: Mar 13, 2025

The NFL practice squad is a vital part of every team, helping to develop young talent while providing depth for the roster. While these players don’t suit up on game days, they play a crucial role in preparing the 53-man roster for success.

So, how much do NFL practice squad players make? Is it enough to sustain a career, or is it just a stepping stone to a full-time NFL contract? This guide breaks down NFL practice squad salaries, benefits, and the path to earning a spot on the active roster.

01
Average Salary for NFL Practice Squad Players
Average Salary for NFL Practice Squad Players
nfl.webp

NFL practice squad players earn a weekly salary , and their earnings depend on experience and contract status .

πŸ“Œ NFL Practice Squad Salary Breakdown (2024-2025):

βœ” Rookie Practice Squad Players: $12,000 per week

βœ” Veteran Practice Squad Players (2+ Seasons): $16,100 per week

βœ” Annual Salary (Full 18-Week Season): $216,000 - $289,800

πŸ“Œ Minimum & Maximum Earnings:

  • Minimum Salary: $12,000 per week ($216,000 per season)
  • Maximum Salary (Veterans): Can be negotiated up to $20,000+ per week

🚨 While these salaries are solid, they pale in comparison to active roster earnings. Let’s break it down further.

02
What is the NFL Practice Squad?
What is the NFL Practice Squad?

The NFL practice squad consists of 16 players per team who help the main roster prepare for games .

πŸ“Œ Key Facts About the Practice Squad:

βœ” Players do not play in regular-season games

βœ” They train and practice with the team throughout the season

βœ” They can be promoted to the active roster at any time

Why Do Practice Squad Salaries Matter?

For many aspiring players, the practice squad is their ticket to the NFL. While they earn less than active players, it’s a stepping stone to potentially securing a full contract.

03
Weekly Pay for NFL Practice Squad Players
Weekly Pay for NFL Practice Squad Players

Unlike active roster players, NFL practice squad members are paid weekly rather than having guaranteed contracts.

πŸ“Œ Regular Season Weekly Salaries (2024-2025):

Experience Level Weekly Salary Annual Salary (18 Weeks)
Rookies & First-Year Players $12,000 $216,000
Veterans (2+ Seasons) $16,100 $289,800
Negotiated Veteran Contracts $20,000+ $320,000+

πŸ“Œ Key Differences:

βœ” Veterans earn higher weekly pay due to experience

βœ” Some players negotiate higher practice squad salaries if in demand

04
Practice Squad Pay for Playoffs and Super Bowl
Practice Squad Pay for Playoffs and Super Bowl

πŸ† Do Practice Squad Players Get Paid in the Playoffs?

Yes! Even though practice squad players don’t play in playoff games , they still get compensated.

πŸ“Œ NFL Playoff & Super Bowl Practice Squad Pay (2024-2025):

βœ” Wildcard & Divisional Round: $12,000 - $16,100 per week

βœ” Conference Championship: $16,500 per week

βœ” Super Bowl Week: $20,000+

🚨 Practice squad players DO NOT receive player bonuses like active roster members, but they still get paid if the team makes a deep playoff run.

05
Practice Squad Salary vs. Active Roster Salary
Practice Squad Salary vs. Active Roster Salary

While practice squad salaries seem solid , they are much lower than active roster contracts.

πŸ“Š Practice Squad vs. Active Roster Salary (2024-2025):

πŸ“Œ Key Takeaways:

βœ” Active roster players make 3-5x more per week than practice squad players

βœ” A promotion to the 53-man roster is life-changing financially

🚨 If a practice squad player is elevated to the active roster, they immediately start earningactive roster pay.

06
How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make Over a Season?
How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make Over a Season?

If a player remains on the practice squad all season , their total earnings depend on experience level.

πŸ“Œ Total Seasonal Earnings:

πŸ“Œ Can Players Earn Bonuses?

βœ” Yes! Players promoted to the active roster for a game earn at least $47,222 that week.

βœ” If they stay on the roster, their salary increases significantly.

07
Additional Benefits for NFL Practice Squad Players
Additional Benefits for NFL Practice Squad Players

While practice squad players don’t earn as much as active roster members , they still receive benefits & perks.

πŸ“Œ NFL Practice Squad Benefits:

βœ” Health Insurance – Full medical coverage

βœ” Retirement Plans – Contributions to NFL pension

βœ” Housing & Travel Support – Teams cover relocation expenses

βœ” Coaching & Development – Access to top-tier NFL coaching

🚨 These perks help practice squad players sustain their careers while working toward a full-time NFL contract.

08
How Players Move from Practice Squad to Active Roster
How Players Move from Practice Squad to Active Roster

Many practice squad players eventually get promoted to the active 53-man roster .

09
πŸ“Œ Path to a Full NFL Contract:
πŸ“Œ Path to a Full NFL Contract:

1️⃣ Impress coaches in practice – Hard work gets noticed

2️⃣ Injury replacements – If a starter gets injured, practice squad players get called up

3️⃣ Performance in Preseason – Strong preseason play can secure a roster spot

πŸ“Œ Success Stories:

βœ” Kurt Warner – Former practice squad player turned Super Bowl champion

βœ” Adam Thielen – Undrafted WR who worked his way up from the practice squad

🚨 Players promoted to the *active roster instantly start making $47,222 per week instead of $12,000.**

10
Future of NFL Practice Squad Salaries
Future of NFL Practice Squad Salaries

With NFL revenues increasing , practice squad salaries have risen steadily over the years.

πŸ“Š NFL Practice Squad Salary Growth (2020-2025):

πŸ“Œ Predictions for Future Salary Increases:

βœ” Expect practice squad pay to rise with new NFL TV deals

βœ” Potential for higher minimum salaries as part of future CBA negotiations

11
Conclusion: Is the NFL Practice Squad Worth It?
Conclusion: Is the NFL Practice Squad Worth It?

For many aspiring NFL players , the practice squad is a gateway to the league . While the pay isn’t as high as active roster contracts, it offers:

βœ” A livable salary ($216,000+)

βœ” NFL-level coaching & training

βœ” Opportunities to get promoted to the 53-man roster

πŸš€ If a player can prove themselves, a practice squad spot can turn into a multi-million-dollar career.

πŸ“© Want more insights on NFL contracts and salaries? Stay tuned toNo2MinuteWarning.comfor the latest updates!


Scroll downfor the Next Article