NFL practice squad players are an equally significant group of players who don’t always receive the attention, even though the glamorous contracts of NFL superstars take center stage in the media. Despite not playing on Sundays, these players are vital to their teams and put in a lot of overtime. Even though their pay is much less than that of players on the active roster, it still recognizes their value and contribution to the game. What is the salary of these players, and how does it stack up against the top players in the league? Let’s examine the specifics.
NFL Practice Squad Salary Breakdown for 2025
| Player Type | Weekly Salary | Annual Salary (18 Weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Rookies and 2nd Year Players | $13,000 | $234,000 |
| Veterans (2+ Seasons) | $17,500 – $22,000 | $315,000 – $396,000 |
| Active Roster Players | $840,000 (Rookie) | $840,000 (Rookie) |
| $960,000 (Veteran) | $960,000 (Veteran) | |
| Practice Squad Pay (Average) | $17,500 | $315,000 |
| League Minimum Salary | $13,000 | $234,000 |
NFL Practice Squad Pay Breakdown for 2025
NFL practice squad pay varies by player experience in 2025, but it still shows how much teams value these players. The breakdown is as follows:
- The minimum weekly salary for rookies and players with two or fewer seasons is $13,000. This adds up to a salary of $234,000 for the entire NFL season, which lasts 18 weeks. This is still a respectable sum for players who are advancing in their careers, even though it is far less than the $840,000 that rookies on the active roster make.
- Veteran Players (At Least Two Seasons of Experience): The weekly pay increases to at least $17,500 for players with more experience, and it can reach $22,000. For an 18-week season, this translates to a salary range of $315,000 to $396,000 annually. This shows how valuable these veterans are to the team, even though it is still a small portion of what players on the active roster make.
- Given the demanding nature of the work, these salaries are still very competitive in the sports industry even though they are less than the multi-million-dollar contracts of active players.
The Significance of Practice Squad Pay
Despite their lack of glamour, these players are essential to the practice squad. By preparing game plans and mimicking the styles of opposing players, they keep the starting roster sharp. These athletes are the unsung heroes who give the team vital support. Even though their pay is less than that of the best players on the field, it still represents their value to a team.
It’s also critical to remember that, unlike active players, practice squad salaries are not guaranteed. These players’ earnings are only guaranteed as long as they are on the practice squad, and they could be removed at any time. Practice squad members deal with the uncertainty that comes with not having a guaranteed roster spot, in contrast to the stable contracts of active players.
Salaries of the Practice Squad Compared to Active Players
Members of the practice squad are paid less than players on the active roster. A rookie on the active roster, for example, makes at least $840,000 in 2025, which is much more than a rookie on the practice squad. At least $960,000 is earned by veteran players on the active roster, which is more than twice as much as a veteran practice squad player can make. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of practice squad players, though. They aid in the team’s preparation and general preparedness even though they might not be on the field on game day.
NFL Practice Squad Pay in the Future
It’s possible that practice squad salaries will keep rising as the NFL changes. Teams are making sure that their practice squads are as competitive as possible and are giving player development more weight. Players at all levels, including those on the practice squad, are likely to see an increase in pay as the league grows in popularity due to more sponsorships and television deals.
Players on the Practice Squad: The Foundation of NFL Success
Players on the NFL practice squad are an essential component of the league’s infrastructure. Teams would struggle to stay competitive without them, even though their roles might not be as glamorous as those of players on the active roster. The practice squad serves as a springboard for many of these players to advance to the active roster and other opportunities. While helping their teams stay sharp and prepared for game day, practice squad players still make a respectable living with salaries that range from $234,000 to $396,000 for an 18-week season.
