NFL practice squad players' salaries vary based on their accrued seasons in the league and are set by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). For the 2025 season:
- Players with two or fewer accrued seasons earn a minimum of $13,000 per week. Over an 18-week season, this totals $234,000
- Players with more than two accrued seasons have a salary range from $17,500 to $22,000 per week, which can amount to between $315,000 and $396,000 for the full 18-week season
These salaries represent approximately 28% to 40% of the NFL league minimum salary for active roster players, which starts around $840,000 to $960,000 for rookies and veterans respectively
. The weekly salary for practice squad players is guaranteed only while they remain on the squad, and they can be signed to active rosters by other teams, often with a guaranteed minimum of three game checks if signed away
. The practice squad size is currently 17 players, including at least one from the NFL's International Pathway Program, and salaries are scheduled to increase gradually through 2030 under the CBA
. In summary, a practice squad player in 2025 typically makes between $13,000 and $22,000 per week, depending on experience, totaling roughly $234,000 to $396,000 for a full season.
