Introduction
If you have ever wondered what does an nfl practice squad player make, you are not alone. Practice squad pay is one of the most misunderstood parts of NFL finances. From weekly salaries and game elevations to benefits and tax considerations, practice squad players live a different financial life than active roster players. This article breaks it down in simple, clear terms so you can understand how practice squad salary works, how much a player can expect to earn, and the financial tradeoffs of staying on the practice squad versus earning an active roster spot.
How NFL practice squads work and who is eligible
Before discussing salary, it helps to know the basics. Practice squads are groups of players signed by NFL teams to practice and develop without being on the 53-player active roster. They are typically younger or developmental players, but recent rules also allow a limited number of veteran players. Key points about eligibility and structure:
- Roster size — Teams carry a designated number of practice squad players determined by the collective bargaining agreement and league rules.
- Eligibility — Historically based on accrued seasons, but rules now allow a few veterans regardless of experience.
- Week-to-week contracts — Practice squad agreements are often weekly, meaning pay is connected to how many weeks a player remains on the squad.
- Promotions and elevations — Players can be elevated temporarily for game day or signed to the active roster, which affects pay.
Understanding these mechanics is essential to answering what practice squad players make, because pay varies by week, elevation, and veteran status.
How practice squad pay is structured
Practice squad pay is almost always expressed as a weekly salary. That weekly rate is set either by the collective bargaining agreement or negotiated between player and team (for veterans). The main features to remember are:
- Base weekly salary — Newer players typically earn a league-set minimum weekly rate. Veteran practice squad players can negotiate higher weekly amounts.
- Weeks count — A player’s season earnings equal the weekly rate times the number of weeks on the practice squad. If on the squad for 10 weeks at a given rate, earnings are 10 times that amount.
- Game elevation pay — When a practice squad player is elevated to the active roster for a game, they receive a pro-rated active roster game check, which is usually higher than their practice squad weekly pay.
- Signing to active roster — If a player is signed to the 53-man roster, they receive the active roster salary for that contract, which can be significantly higher and paid on a per-game or per-week basis based on the contract terms.
Typical pay ranges and realistic examples
Exact numbers change with each CBA and season, and teams may pay veterans more. To answer what does an nfl practice squad player make in practical terms, here are typical ranges and two illustrative examples labeled clearly as examples.
- Typical ranges
- Lower-end weekly practice squad pay — represents newer players and rookies. Many rookies earn a weekly rate that, multiplied across a full season, results in a five-figure or low six-figure total.
- Veteran practice squad pay — veteran players signed to the practice squad can negotiate higher weekly salaries, sometimes well above the rookie weekly rates.
- Elevation/game pay — when elevated to the active roster, players receive a prorated portion of the minimum active roster salary for that week or game, often several times the practice squad weekly pay.
- Example 1 — Rookie on the practice squad
- Assume a rookie weekly practice squad rate of X (example rate used to illustrate calculation only). If they spend 12 weeks on the practice squad, they earn 12 times X in base pay.
- If the player is elevated for one game and receives a prorated active roster game check equal to Y, their season total = 12X + Y.
- Example 2 — Veteran practice squad player
- A veteran negotiates a higher weekly rate, say 1.5 to 2 times the rookie weekly rate. Over the same 12 weeks, their earnings are correspondingly larger.
- Veterans who are elevated often see more substantial per-game pay that can quickly increase season earnings.
These examples show why many practice squad players and agents focus on weeks of service, chances of elevation, and negotiating higher weekly rates for veterans.
Elevation, active roster pay, and reserve/future contracts
Understanding the difference between elevation pay and being signed to the active roster is essential when answering what does an nfl practice squad player make.
- Temporary elevation — Teams can elevate practice squad players for game day without signing them to the active roster. When elevated, players are paid at a rate closer to what active roster players receive for that game, typically much higher than their normal weekly practice squad pay.
- Signed to the 53 — When a player is signed to the active roster, their salary becomes the active roster salary as defined in the contract. That can be a minimum active roster salary or higher if negotiated.
- Reserve/future contract — Many practice squad players sign reserve/future contracts at season end. These contracts are for the next season and include active roster minimums once the player makes the 90-man offseason roster. They provide more stability and clear path to higher pay.
Tip: For players, a few short-term elevations can have a large impact on annual earnings — even if most of the season is spent on the practice squad.
Benefits, insurance, and retirement considerations
Pay is not the entire picture. Practice squad players receive some benefits, though they differ from those of active roster members. When answering what does an nfl practice squad player make, consider these non-salary components.
- Health insurance — Teams typically provide access to health services, though the details and how long coverage lasts vary depending on time on the roster and team policy.
- Pension and credits — Players earn credited seasons or service time toward benefits based on rules in the NFL player benefits plans. More weeks on the active roster usually count more toward pension eligibility than practice squad weeks, but some practice squad service can still count in certain ways.
- Perks and resources — Practice squad players gain access to team facilities, coaching, medical staff, and training that improve future earning potential.
Tip: Always confirm with the team what insurance and benefits are included in a practice squad contract. The length of coverage and retiree benefits can have long-term financial value.
Taxes, living expenses, and net pay
Gross practice squad pay can look attractive, but take-home pay is reduced by taxes and living costs — especially for players away from home for the season.
- Taxes — NFL income is taxed at federal, state, and local levels. Practice squad players often travel and may have multiple state tax withholdings. Tax planning matters.
- Agent fees and union dues — A standard agent commission and union dues reduce net pay. Factor these into realistic net income numbers.
- Living expenses — Teams sometimes provide housing or cover travel, but many players pay rent, food, and other costs while in-season — particularly in cities with high living costs.
Tip: Plan for taxes and keep careful records. Practice squad players often have short windows for financial planning and should consider a CPA who understands athlete income, per diem rules, and multi-state taxation.
Negotiation tips and how players can maximize earnings
There are practical ways practice squad players can increase earnings and improve financial outcomes even before getting a full active roster contract.
- Negotiate veteran weekly rates — Experienced players who qualify for veteran spots can negotiate higher wages than the league minimum for practice squads.
- Maximize elevation opportunities — Staying ready to perform during practices increases chances of being elevated, which leads to higher per-game pay.
- Use reserve/future deals strategically — Securing a reserve/future contract early in the offseason can lock in active roster minimums for the next season if the player earns a roster spot.
- Financial planning — Budget for tax withholdings and living costs, establish an emergency fund, and prioritize financial advice from a knowledgeable advisor.
Tip: Players and their representatives should track weekly earnings, elevation history, and service time to improve contract leverage during negotiations.
Common misconceptions about practice squad salary
There are several myths that cloud the question of what does an nfl practice squad player make. Clearing them up helps set realistic expectations.
- Myth — Practice squad pay is negligible — While lower than many active roster salaries, practice squad pay is meaningful and, for many players, a path to earning active roster pay.
- Myth — Practice squad players get no benefits — They often receive some medical and team-provided support, though benefits can vary from team to team.
- Myth — If you are on the practice squad you cannot earn active roster money — Players can and often do get elevated and paid at active roster rates for games or be signed to the 53-man roster.
FAQ
Q1: How often are practice squad players paid?
A1: Practice squad players are typically paid weekly. Their contract spells out a weekly rate, and payment is usually aligned with the team payroll schedule. Weeks on the squad multiply to form season earnings, and any elevations add separate game-eligible pay.
Q2: Can practice squad pay be negotiated?
A2: Yes. Rookie minimum weekly salaries are often set by the league, but veteran practice squad spots allow for negotiation. Teams sometimes offer veteran players higher weekly pay to keep them from signing elsewhere.
Q3: Do practice squad players get health insurance and retirement credits?
A3: Practice squad players do receive certain team-provided health resources and can accrue service time that may count toward benefits under specific rules. The exact benefit amounts and eligibility depend on the CBA and time on roster.
Q4: What happens to pay if a practice squad player is elevated for a game?
A4: When elevated, a practice squad player is paid a prorated active roster game check for that week or game. This payment is typically significantly higher than the standard weekly practice squad rate.
Q5: How should a player plan financially while on the practice squad?
A5: Players should budget for taxes, agent fees, and living costs, build an emergency savings account, and consult a financial advisor or CPA with experience in athlete income management. Planning for gaps between seasons is crucial.
Short conclusion
So, what does an nfl practice squad player make? The short answer is: it varies. Practice squad pay is paid weekly, can range from modest to competitive depending on veteran status, and spikes when players are elevated or signed to the active roster. Beyond base pay, benefits, taxes, and service time affect real-world earnings. For many players, the practice squad is less about immediate riches and more about opportunity — a path to the active roster, improved pay, and a sustained NFL career.
Every player’s situation is unique. If you want exact figures for a particular season, check the current collective bargaining agreement, team announcements, and reliable sports business sources for the latest minimums and negotiated veteran rates. But with the breakdown above, you now have a clear, practical understanding of how practice squad salary works and how players can maximize both earnings and long-term benefits.