How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make in the NFL?

If you’re wondering how much do practice squad players make in the NFL, you’re not alone. Many fans are curious about the salaries of these athletes.

While the pay for practice squad players has increased in recent years, they still earn significantly less than players on the active roster. In 2020, practice squad players will earn a minimum of $8,000 per week, or $136,000 over the 17-week season.

Introduction

In the National Football League (NFL), a practice squad, also called a scout team, is a group of up to ten players who are signed by a team but do not play in games. These players practice with the team during the week and are used to simulate opponents during practices. They may also be used on game days as part of the team’s inactive list.

The size of an NFL practice squad has increased from eight to ten players in 2014. The league minimum salary for practice squad players is $6,900 per week or $117,300 per year (up from $5,700 per week or $96,200 per year in 2013). However, most practice squad players earn much more than the league minimum. In fact, the average salary for a practice squad player was nearly $130,000 in 2013.

There are a few reasons why Practice Squad salaries have increased so dramatically in recent years. First, the NFL salary cap has increased from $102 million in 2009 to $177 million in 2013. This means that teams have more money to spend on player salaries overall. Second, Practice Squad salaries are not counted against a team’s salary cap. This means that teams can sign higher-priced free agents and still have room to pay their Practice Squad players well.

Finally, there is simply more money in the NFL today than there was a decade ago. In 2003, the league generated $6 billion in revenue. By 2013, that number had grown to $9 billion. A large portion of this increase is due to the new television contracts that were signed in 2011 (worth $27 billion over nine years). As the league’s revenue continues to grow, so too will the salaries of its Practice Squad players.

What is the NFL Practice Squad?

The National Football League (NFL) Practice Squad is a group of up to 10 players who are signed by NFL teams but are not part of the active 53-player rosters. These players practice with the team but do not play in games.

Players on the Practice Squad are paid per week and can be released at any time. They can also be signed to another team’s active roster, but they will have to go through waivers first.

How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make?

In the NFL, practice squad players make a minimum of $8,000 per week during the 17-week regular season. That’s a minimum of $136,000 over the course of the season. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement sets Mimum Salaries for all Practice Squad players, but those figures can be increased by individual teams.

For instance, in 2019, the Seattle Seahawks had the highest-paid practice squad in the league, at an average of $129,000 per week. The lowest-paid practice squad belonged to the Miami Dolphins, who paid their players an average of just $6,400 per week.

So, while practice squad salaries are not as high as those of active NFL players, they are still quite substantial. And they can provide a good living for young players who are hoping to one day make it to the big time.

What are the Perks and Benefits of Being on an NFL Practice Squad?

In addition to their salary, practice squad players receive other benefits, including health insurance and a retirement plan. They also have the opportunity to travel with the team and use the team facilities. This gives them a chance to develop their skills and improve their chances of making the active roster in future seasons.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Being on an NFL Practice Squad?

There are a few drawbacks to being on an NFL practice squad. The biggest one is that you only make a fraction of what active roster players make. Practice squad players make a minimum of $6,900 per week during the 17-week regular season, which comes out to a salary of $117,300 for the entire season. That’s not chump change, but it’s still only about 1/16th of what the average active roster player in the NFL makes.

Another drawback is that you can be cut from the practice squad at any time without any sort of guarantee. Teams can sign you to their active roster at any time, but they can also release you just as easily. This can make for a very unstable situation for players on the practice squad.

Finally, because you’re not on the active roster, you’re not eligible to play in games or receive any sort of playoff bonus if your team makes it to the postseason. So while you’re getting great experience and earning a decent salary, there are some definite drawbacks to being on an NFL practice squad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, practice squad players in the NFL make a significant amount of money compared to the average person. They also receive many benefits, such as healthcare and a retirement plan. While they may not be playing in the games, they are still an important part of the team and contribute to its success.