How Much Does Practice Squad Make?
Practice squads in the NFL consist of 16 players per team, according to changes implemented in 2023. This increase from the previous limit of 10 players was made to provide more flexibility to teams. Practice squad players have the opportunity to be elevated to the main roster on game day without being officially signed to the active roster. They can be activated up to two times per week and can be elevated three times per season. Veteran players are also eligible for the practice squad, with up to 6 veterans allowed per team.
The weekly payment for practice squad players is $12,000 while veterans with over two years of experience will earn a minimum of $16,100 per week. Now let’s dive into the eligibility and signing process for practice squad players.
Eligibility and Signing Process
Signing with a practice squad is a pathway for players to continue their NFL journey and showcase their skills. However, not every player is eligible for the practice squad.
First, players must pass through waivers after being released from their previous team. This means that other teams have the opportunity to claim the player before they can be signed to a practice squad. If no team claims the player, they become eligible to sign with a practice squad.
Once signed to a practice squad, players have the opportunity to practice with the team and develop their abilities, but they do not participate in actual games unless they are elevated to the active roster. This allows them to gain valuable experience and stay connected to the team’s system.
While on the practice squad, players do have the option to sign with other teams. However, in order to do so, they must be signed to the acquiring team’s 53-man active roster. This ensures that the player has a legitimate opportunity to contribute to the team’s game-day roster.
It should be noted that there are restrictions on signing with an upcoming opponent of the player’s current team. This is to prevent teams from exploiting inside information or gaining an unfair advantage.
If a practice squad player is signed to the active roster of a new team, they are guaranteed a minimum of three weekly paychecks from the new team, even if they are released before spending three weeks with the team. This provides some financial security and stability for players who make the leap to the active roster.
Minimum and Maximum Salaries
Practice squad players in the NFL are compensated based on a structured pay scale. The minimum salary for practice squad players is $12,000 per week. However, players with at least two seasons of experience are entitled to a higher minimum salary of $16,100 per week. This pay scale ensures that experienced practice squad players receive fair compensation for their contributions to the team.
On the other hand, practice squad players also have the potential to earn a maximum salary of $20,600 per week. This maximum salary offers a lucrative opportunity for talented players who showcase exceptional skills and performance during practice. It motivates practice squad players to continuously improve and seize the chance to earn a higher income.
When considering the duration of a season, it’s interesting to note that the practice squad wages can accumulate significantly. For example, if a player with fewer than two seasons remains on the practice squad for all 18 weeks of the regular season, they would earn a total of $216,000 for the season. This demonstrates that even though practice squad players are not on the active roster, their salaries can still provide them with a stable income.
For players with at least two seasons on the practice squad, the earning potential expands. These players can earn between $289,800 and $370,800 for a season, depending on their experience, performance, and team’s valuation. This pay scale not only rewards the commitment and development of long-term practice squad players but also reflects the value they bring to their respective teams.
It’s important to highlight that practice squad players’ wages count towards a team’s salary cap. This ensures that teams manage their finances responsibly while providing opportunities for aspiring players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place on the active roster. The practice squad pay scale strikes a balance between compensating players fairly and maintaining financial stability for NFL teams.
Impact of COVID-19 on Practice Squads
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various aspects of the NFL, including practice squads. In response to the outbreak, the league made the decision to increase the size of practice squads to a maximum of 16 players for the 2020 season. This change was implemented to address the challenges posed by the constant stream of positive COVID-19 testing and exposures within teams.
The expansion of practice squads was a necessary measure to ensure teams could continue their operations while prioritizing the health and safety of players, coaches, and staff. It allowed for the quick and seamless replacement of players who had to enter quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19 protocols. By having a larger pool of practice squad players, teams were better equipped to navigate the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.
The success and positive impact of the increased practice squad size prompted the NFL to make this change permanent. As a result, practice squads now consist of up to 16 players even beyond the pandemic. This adjustment has been incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement, signifying its long-term relevance and importance in the NFL’s strategy for player development and team operations.
During the demanding 17-game season, the practice squad serves as a vital resource for teams facing injuries or illnesses. With players already familiar with the team’s system and strategies, the practice squad provides a seamless transition for replacements. Their presence helps maintain the competitiveness of games and ensures that the overall quality of the NFL remains high despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 or other unforeseen circumstances.
