How Much Do NFL Practice Squad Players Make in 2024 and Beyond

The world of the NFL practice squad might not be as glamorous as the main roster, but it is a critical part of the league’s ecosystem. For many young players, the practice squad represents both an opportunity and a challenge—a chance to develop skills and gain exposure while earning a living in the NFL.

In this section, we’ll take an in-depth look at how much do NFL practice squad players make, breaking down salaries by experience level, examining the historical progression of these earnings, and discussing the role practice squad players play in team dynamics.

How Much Do NFL Practice Squad Players Make?

Practice squad salaries are structured differently from main roster salaries. While the main roster players often have multi-million-dollar contracts, practice squad players are paid weekly and generally earn significantly less. However, for many aspiring athletes, being part of an NFL practice squad is a stepping stone towards greater opportunities, making it a critical first step in their professional careers.

Salary Structure Based on Experience Level

The NFL divides practice squad salaries into two broad categories: younger players (those with fewer than two accrued seasons) and veterans (players with three or more accrued seasons). These categories determine the minimum salary a player can earn, although veterans have the ability to negotiate their pay within a certain range.

For younger players, the NFL sets a standard minimum weekly salary that applies league-wide. In 2024, for example, the weekly salary for a player with less than two accrued seasons is set at $12,500.

How much do practice squad players get paid over the course of an 18-week regular season, this can add up to a significant sum:

2024 Weekly Salary: $12,500

• 2025 Weekly Salary: $13,000

• 2026 Weekly Salary: $13,750

• 2027 Weekly Salary: $14,500

The consistency in pay provides younger players with financial stability, allowing them to focus on developing their skills and proving their worth to the team. While this amount is much lower than what the stars of the league earn, it’s still a substantial income for players who are fresh out of college or looking to break into the league.

Veteran Practice Squad Salaries: Negotiation and Flexibility

For veteran players who have three or more accrued seasons, the salary structure offers more flexibility. Unlike younger players, veterans can negotiate their weekly salary within a predetermined range. In 2024, for example, the minimum weekly salary for a veteran practice squad player is $16,800, while the maximum can reach up to $21,300.

How much do practice team nfl players make? Here’s a breakdown of veteran salaries over the next few years:

• 2024 Weekly Salary Range: $16,800 (minimum) – $21,300 (maximum)

• 2025 Weekly Salary Range: $17,500 (minimum) – $22,000 (maximum)

• 2026 Weekly Salary Range: $18,350 (minimum) – $22,850 (maximum)

This flexibility allows veterans to leverage their experience and skillset to secure a more favorable contract. Veterans who are versatile, reliable, and bring value to the team are often able to negotiate higher salaries within the range. For these players, experience isn’t just about time spent in the league—it’s about how well they can position themselves as indispensable assets.

The Evolution of Practice Squad Salaries

Practice squad salaries have seen steady growth over the years, reflecting the NFL’s increasing revenue and the growing importance of developing young talent. Let’s take a closer look at how NFL teams give salaries to their staffs have evolved.

In 2019, the weekly salary for a practice squad player with less than two accrued seasons was around $8,000. By 2021, this figure had increased to $9,200, and by 2023, it reached $11,000. The jump to $12,500 in 2024 represents a continued upward trend, signaling the league’s commitment to compensating players fairly for their contributions.

Here’s a historical comparison of how much does practice squad players make?

• 2019 Weekly Salary: $8,000

• 2020 Weekly Salary: $8,500

• 2021 Weekly Salary: $9,200

• 2022 Weekly Salary: $10,000

• 2023 Weekly Salary: $11,000

• 2024 Weekly Salary: $12,500

These figures demonstrate a consistent pattern of growth, which is essential for players whose careers often have limited longevity. As the NFL continues to expand its financial resources, practice squad players are seeing more equitable compensation for their role in the league.

What Do These Salaries Mean in Real Life?

While the numbers might seem substantial at first glance, it’s important to consider the broader context. Practice squad players are not guaranteed a full season’s salary, as they can be released or replaced at any time.

For younger players making $12,500 per week in 2024, a full 18-week season would yield $225,000. What do practice squad players make is significant, especially for someone early in their career, but it’s far from the million-dollar contracts that established stars enjoy. It’s also worth noting that practice squad players do not receive the same benefits, bonuses, or endorsements that are available to main roster players, which further limits their earning potential.

The Importance of Practice Squad Players

Practice squad players are often the unsung heroes of the NFL. Their primary role is to help the main team prepare for upcoming games. This involves running scout team drills, mimicking the tactics and formations of the opponent, and giving starters the reps they need to be sharp on game day. These players must be versatile, coachable, and ready to step in at a moment’s notice if injuries or other circumstances require it.

Because of the demanding nature of their role, practice squad players need to approach their job with the same level of professionalism and dedication as their active roster counterparts. They may not be in the spotlight, but their contributions are critical to the team’s overall success.

What’s Next for Practice Squad Salaries?

While predicting the future of practice squad salaries is challenging, the trend suggests continued growth. As the NFL’s revenue increases, it’s likely that practice squad salaries will keep rising. Additionally, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of depth and development within the league, which could lead to further improvements in compensation.

For players on the practice squad, the goal is clear: perform consistently, stay ready, and capitalize on opportunities when they arise. Whether it’s negotiating a better deal as a veteran, being called up to the active roster, or transitioning to a more stable career post-football, practice squad salaries provide a foundation for pursuing long-term goals.

Strategies for Maximizing Practice Squad Earnings

While practice squad salaries might be modest compared to those of active roster players, there are several strategies that players can employ to maximize their earnings. In this section, we’ll explore different approaches that practice squad players can take to increase their income both within and beyond their standard salaries. From negotiating better deals to leveraging off-field opportunities, understanding these strategies can help players make the most of their time in the NFL.

1. Negotiating for Higher Pay – Leveraging Experience and Value

One of the primary strategies available to veteran practice squad players is the ability to negotiate their weekly pay. Unlike younger players who are subject to fixed minimum salaries, veterans with three or more accrued seasons have a predetermined salary range that they can negotiate within. In 2024, this range is between $16,800 and $21,300 per week, offering flexibility for players to secure a better deal.

Understanding the Negotiation Process

Negotiation in the NFL is a delicate balance between understanding one’s value and knowing how to advocate for it effectively. Veteran players who bring specific skills or versatility to the table are in a strong position to command higher pay. For example, a player who can fill multiple roles—such as contributing on special teams, being a backup at several positions, or mentoring younger players—can use these factors as leverage during negotiations.

Tips for Effective Negotiation

• Highlight Unique Contributions: Emphasize what sets you apart, whether it’s your experience, adaptability, or consistency.
• Know the Market: Research what other practice squad veterans with similar experience are earning to establish a benchmark for your negotiations.
• Work with an Agent: If possible, enlist the help of an agent who is experienced in handling NFL negotiations. Agents understand the nuances of salary discussions and can advocate on your behalf.
• Present Your Case Professionally: Approach negotiations with a positive attitude and a focus on mutual benefit—how you can add value to the team while being compensated fairly.

For many veterans, securing the upper end of the salary range can make a significant difference over the course of a season. For instance, a player earning $21,300 per week for 18 weeks would take home $383,400, compared to $302,400 for someone at the lower end of the range.

2. Seizing Opportunities for Promotion to the Active Roster

Another key strategy for maximizing earnings is aiming for a promotion to the active roster. While practice squad salaries are steady, the pay difference between practice squad and active roster players is substantial. Even a temporary promotion for one game can lead to a significant boost in income.

How Promotions Work?

Teams have the option to promote practice squad players to the active roster up to three times per season without requiring them to be permanently signed. During these temporary elevations, players receive the same pay as an active roster player, which can be several times higher than their practice squad salary. After the game, they return to their practice squad pay, but the boost for that week is notable.

For example, if a practice squad player is temporarily promoted and earns $40,000 for one game, that’s more than triple the weekly pay of a player earning $12,500 on the practice squad.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Promotion

• Consistency is Key: Perform consistently well in practice. Coaches notice players who show up every day with the right attitude and work ethic.
• Be Versatile: The more roles you can fill, the more valuable you are. Special teams, backup positions, and even emergency roles increase your chances of being called up.
• Stay Ready: Injuries, suspensions, or unexpected circumstances can create opportunities. Being in peak physical and mental condition ensures that you’re ready when your number is called.

3. Exploring Off-Field Income Opportunities

While practice squad players may not have the same high-profile endorsements as star players, there are still ways to generate additional income off the field. Building a personal brand, leveraging social media, and exploring local sponsorships are just a few avenues players can pursue.

Building a Personal Brand

In today’s digital age, building a personal brand is no longer limited to superstars. Even lesser-known players can create a following by sharing insights into their training regimen, daily life, and journey as a professional athlete. This following can lead to monetization opportunities, such as social media sponsorships or partnerships with local businesses.

Tips for Building a Personal Brand

• Be Authentic: Share your unique story and experiences. Fans connect with authenticity, and showing your personal journey can attract a dedicated audience.
• Engage Consistently: Regularly post content that reflects your interests and values. This could include training tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in the NFL, or motivational messages.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Reach out to local businesses that align with your brand. Whether it’s a gym, a sportswear store, or a nutrition company, these partnerships can provide additional income streams.

Hosting Football Camps and Clinics

Another common way practice squad players earn extra income is by hosting or participating in football camps and clinics during the offseason. These events allow players to share their knowledge with young athletes while earning money through registration fees.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings from Camps

• Leverage Your NFL Status: Even as a practice squad player, your NFL affiliation holds value. Use it as a selling point when promoting your camp.
• Collaborate with Other Players: Partnering with teammates or other local athletes can increase attendance and reduce overhead costs.
• Choose the Right Time: The offseason is the ideal time for camps, as you’ll have more availability and young athletes are often looking for training opportunities.

4. Taking Advantage of Playoff Practice Squad Opportunities

Teams that make the playoffs often expand their practice squads, offering additional income opportunities for players. While playoff practice squad stints are typically short-term, they come with increased pay and exposure during a critical time in the season.

How Playoff Practice Squads Work?

When a team reaches the playoffs, they may sign additional practice squad players to help with preparation and depth. These short-term contracts offer a chance to earn extra money, but they also provide visibility in high-stakes situations. Coaches and team executives pay close attention to how these players perform during playoff preparations, which can lead to better opportunities the following season.

Tips for Securing Playoff Practice Squad Spots

• Stay Ready After the Regular Season: Even if you’re not on a playoff-bound team, staying in game shape and available for last-minute opportunities can lead to a call-up.
• Network with Teams and Coaches: Building relationships with coaches and team personnel across the league increases your chances of being signed when teams need extra help during the playoffs.

5. Financial Planning and Smart Investments

While the focus is often on maximizing current earnings, practice squad players should also think long-term. The average NFL career is short, and practice squad stints are even more uncertain. Apart from how much do practice team NFL players make, making smart financial decisions is essential.  This includes saving, investing, and planning for life after football, can set players up for success beyond their playing days. 

Smart Financial Tips for Practice Squad Players:

• Live Below Your Means: Resist the temptation to spend lavishly. Many players make the mistake of overspending early in their careers, only to face financial difficulties later.
• Invest Wisely: Consult with financial advisors who specialize in working with athletes. Diversifying investments and focusing on long-term growth is key.
• Plan for Post-Football Careers: Whether it’s coaching, training, or transitioning into another field, having a plan for what comes next ensures that you’re not scrambling when your football career ends.

Breaking Out of the Practice Squad Cocoon – Long-Term Career Strategies

For many NFL players, the practice squad is both a stepping stone and a proving ground. While it offers an entry point into the league, it’s not the final destination for those with dreams of making it onto the active roster and beyond. This section explores how practice squad players can strategically position themselves for long-term success, whether by earning a spot on the main roster, building a sustainable post-football career, or transitioning into other football-related roles. We’ll discuss essential strategies for breaking out of the practice squad cocoon and the mindset needed to turn temporary opportunities into lasting success.

1. Consistency and Performance – Turning Practice into Your Stage

One of the biggest challenges for practice squad players is that they rarely get to showcase their talents during actual games. However, practice itself becomes the stage where these players need to shine. Consistency in practice performance is often the deciding factor when teams consider which players to elevate to the active roster.

The Importance of Standing Out in Practice

In the NFL, every rep counts. Coaches pay close attention to practice squad players who consistently perform well during drills, scrimmages, and scout team assignments. This is particularly important for positions where depth is critical, such as wide receiver, defensive back, or offensive line. Players who excel in practice and demonstrate a strong work ethic are more likely to be noticed when injuries or performance issues arise on the main roster.

Tips for Maximizing Practice Performance

• Treat Every Practice Like Game Day: Approach each practice with the intensity and focus you would bring to a live game. This mindset not only improves performance but also signals to coaches that you’re ready for more responsibility.
• Study and Master the Playbook: Knowing the playbook inside and out allows you to execute with precision, which is crucial for gaining the trust of coaches.
• Embrace Feedback and Improve Quickly: Coaches want players who are coachable. Show that you can take feedback, adjust, and improve rapidly. This trait is often more important than raw talent alone.

2. Versatility – The Key to Becoming Indispensable

In a league as competitive as the NFL, the more roles you can fill, the more valuable you become. Versatility is often the ticket to breaking out of the practice squad, especially for players who may not have a clear path at their primary position. Being able to contribute across multiple areas, whether on special teams or by serving as a backup in various positions, increases your chances of being called up.

How Versatility Can Lead to More Opportunities?

Versatile players are like Swiss Army knives for NFL teams. They can fill in where needed, adapt to different roles, and contribute in ways that go beyond their primary position. For example, a wide receiver who can also contribute on special teams or serve as an emergency cornerback is more likely to be elevated to the active roster when the need arises.

Ways to Build Versatility

• Volunteer for Special Teams: Special teams are often the easiest path to the field for practice squad players. Excelling in this area not only gives you more playing time but also demonstrates your willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team.

• Learn Multiple Positions: Players who can fill in at several positions are invaluable. Whether it’s cross-training as both a linebacker and a fullback or being a running back who can play wide receiver, the more positions you’re comfortable with, the more valuable you become.

• Show Your Football IQ: Being versatile isn’t just about physical skills. Understanding different roles, schemes, and responsibilities makes you a smarter and more adaptable player, which coaches highly value.

3. Making the Most of Call-Up Opportunities

One of the most significant moments for a practice squad player is when they get called up to the active roster. These call-ups are often temporary, triggered by injuries or performance issues with main roster players. However, how you perform during these brief stints can define your career trajectory.

How to Capitalize on a Call-Up

When a practice squad player is elevated to the active roster, it’s their chance to prove they belong at that level. Whether it’s a one-game promotion or a series of games, making a strong impression can lead to a more permanent spot on the roster.

Tips for Success During a Call-Up

• Stay Ready Physically and Mentally: Even if you’re not on the active roster, prepare as if you are. Keep your body in peak condition and your mind sharp by studying game plans and film.

• Minimize Mistakes: Coaches value reliability. It’s better to be steady and mistake-free than to try to do too much and risk errors.

• Be a Team Player: In high-pressure situations, being a good teammate is crucial. Support your fellow players, show that you’re coachable, and bring positive energy to the locker room.

4. Building Relationships with Coaches and Teammates

The relationships you build within the team can significantly influence your opportunities. Coaches want to work with players they trust, and teammates appreciate those who contribute positively to the team culture. Developing strong relationships can help you stay on the radar for promotions and increase your value to the organization.

The Power of Networking in the NFL

While performance is critical, the connections you make also play a significant role in your career. Being respected by coaches, trusted by teammates, and valued by front office personnel can lead to opportunities both on and off the field.

Ways to Build Strong Relationships

• Be Coachable and Professional: Always approach interactions with coaches and teammates with respect and a willingness to learn. Show that you’re serious about improving and contributing to the team’s success.

• Engage in Team Activities: Whether it’s in the weight room, during film study, or in team meetings, actively participate and be present. Your commitment to the team’s goals will be noticed.

• Develop a Reputation for Reliability: Be the player who’s always early, always prepared, and always willing to help.

5. Leveraging Off-Field Opportunities for Long-Term Success

While breaking out of the practice squad and making the active roster is a primary goal, it’s equally important to think long-term. The average NFL career is short, and practice squad stints can be even shorter. Preparing for life after football through smart financial planning, building a personal brand, and exploring off-field opportunities can set you up for success in the years to come.

Planning for Life After Football

Whether you transition into coaching, sports media, or another industry, having a clear plan for what comes next is essential. Many players find success by building relationships with mentors, networking within and outside of football, and gradually transitioning into new roles as their playing days wind down.

Tips for Planning Your Post-Football Career

• Save and Invest Wisely: While you’re earning NFL money, make sure you’re saving and investing for the future. Financial stability will give you more freedom to pursue opportunities when you’re done playing.

• Explore Coaching and Training: Many former players find fulfilling careers in coaching or athletic training. Consider getting certifications and gaining experience in these areas while you’re still playing.

• Build a Personal Brand: Your reputation as a player can translate into off-field success. Whether it’s starting a business, becoming a motivational speaker, or leveraging your platform for charitable work, building a personal brand can open doors in various industries.

6. Staying Patient and Persistent – The Long Game

Finally, breaking out of the practice squad cocoon requires patience and persistence. The journey from practice squad to active roster, and eventually to a stable career in or outside of football, is rarely straightforward. Setbacks, competition, and the uncertainty of the NFL are all part of the process. However, players who stay committed, continue to improve, and never lose sight of their goals often find themselves rewarded in the long run.

The Power of Persistence

• Focus on Continuous Improvement: Never stop working on your game. Even if you’re not immediately promoted, every day is an opportunity to get better.

• Visualize Your Success: Maintain a positive mindset by visualizing your goals. Whether it’s earning a spot on the active roster or transitioning to a successful post-football career, keeping your eyes on the prize will keep you motivated.

• Trust the Process: Trust that your hard work, dedication, and strategic planning will pay off in the end.

Being a practice squad player in the NFL is both a unique opportunity and a formidable challenge. While these players may not enjoy the fame and fortune of active roster stars, they play a crucial role in team development and game preparation. Understanding the financial landscape of practice squad salaries reveals that these players can earn a respectable income, especially as they gain experience and leverage negotiation opportunities.

Practice squad salaries differ based on experience, with younger players earning a fixed weekly amount while veterans can negotiate within a set range. Although these salaries are far below the multi-million-dollar contracts seen in the league, they still offer a solid foundation for those looking to make their mark in the NFL. Additionally, players can employ strategic approaches to maximize their earnings, such as negotiating better deals, seizing call-up opportunities, and exploring off-field income sources.

For practice squad players aspiring to reach the next level, consistent performance, versatility, and building strong relationships with coaches and teammates are critical. The ability to stand out in practice, adapt to multiple roles, and be ready when called upon can open the door to a promotion to the active roster. Beyond the field, planning for life after football—through financial planning, brand-building, or exploring new career paths—ensures that players are prepared for a sustainable future.

How much do practice squad players make NFL? This is something to be discussed. The journey from the practice squad to a successful career in the NFL is demanding, but it’s one filled with opportunities for those who remain committed, focused, and strategic in their approach. With the right mindset and determination, practice squad players can turn what may seem like a temporary role into a stepping stone toward a rewarding career in professional football and beyond.