How Much Does a Practice Squad NFL Player Make?
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We all know that NFL players make a lot of money, but how much do those on the practice squad make? We did a little research and found out that the average practice squad player in the NFL makes $6,000 per week.
What is a Practice Squad NFL Player?
Practice squad players are signed to contracts by NFL teams but are not part of that team’s 53-man active roster. A practice squad player can be signed to the active roster at any time during the season, but they can only be on the practice squad for a maximum of three seasons.
While on the practice squad, players are paid a weekly salary of $7,600 (for the 2020 season), which is prorated based on the number of weeks they are on the practice squad. They also receive basic medical and dental benefits, as well as access to a 401(k) plan.
How Much Do They Make?
Player salaries for the practice squad have increased over time. In 2009, the minimum salary for a practice squad player was $5,200 per week, or $109,000 for the season. In 2013, the minimum salary was increased to $6,300 per week, or $130,000 for the season. In 2014, practice squad salaries were once again increased, this time to $7,200 per week, or $144,000 for the season. As of 2015, the minimum salary for a practice squad player is $8,200 per week, or $166,400 for the season.
How Does This Compare to Other NFL Players?
The average salary for an NFL practice squad player is $6,900 per week, or $117,600 for the 17-week regular season. This is a significant increase from the minimum salary of $4,056 per week, or $69,112 for the 17-week regular season. In comparison, the average salary for an NFL player is $2.1 million per year.
What are the Benefits of Being on a Practice Squad?
Players on a practice squad are not eligible for pension and retirement benefits, but they do receive health insurance and other perks. For example, they get to travel with the team and stay in the same hotels as the active roster players. They also get a per diem for food on the road.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
The main disadvantage of being on a practice squad is that you can be signed by any team at any time to their active 53-man roster. So while you may have some stability with your current team, you are also one phone call away from being cut and picked up by another team. Practice squad players also do not earn as much money as active roster players, although they do receive a per-week salary and medical benefits.
