NFL practice squad players' pay depends on their experience and the year, with salaries set by the collective bargaining agreement through 2030.
- For players with fewer than two accrued NFL seasons, the minimum weekly salary in 2025 is $13,000, up from $12,500 in 2024. This amount increases each year, reaching $16,750 per week by 2030
- For players with more than two accrued seasons (veterans), the weekly salary ranges from $16,800 to $21,300 in 2024, increasing to a range of $17,500 to $22,000 in 2025, and continuing to rise to between $21,750 and $26,250 by 2030. These players can negotiate their pay within this range
- If a player with fewer than two seasons stays on the practice squad for the full 18-week season, they can earn about $225,000 annually, which is roughly 28% of the rookie league minimum salary
- Veterans on the practice squad for all 18 weeks can earn between approximately $302,400 and $383,400 annually, compared to the veteran minimum salary of $915,000 for active roster players
Practice squad players are paid weekly during the season and their salaries count against the team's salary cap. They also receive at least three guaranteed game checks if signed to another team's active roster
. In summary, practice squad players make roughly between $13,000 and $22,000 per week depending on experience and contract negotiations, translating to annual earnings from around $225,000 up to nearly $384,000 for veterans who remain on the squad all season
