They don't get the shine, but they know the grind.
Practice squads in the NFL play a critical role in a team's week-by-week preparation. Teams utilize these players as scout groups in order to better prepare for an upcoming opponent.
These groups can consist of young rookies or sophomores who have yet to break into the league as regulars, or older veterans whose best playing days are likely behind them. No matter the age, these players are essential behind the scenes in order for football teams to perform at their peak on Sundays.
So how are these guys getting compensated? It's not the multi-millions that the stars are making, but these players still get a decent paycheck every week.
MORE: NFL cuts tracker 2023: Live roster news, updates, notable cuts
Here's everything that you need to know about NFL practice squads:
How many players are on an NFL practice squad?
There are 16 players that make up an NFL practice squad.
Before 2020, the limit on practice squads was set at 10, but the league has since increased the limits.
Who is eligible for an NFL practice squad?
There are certain restrictions put in place by the NFL when it comes to members of the practice squad.
Out of the 16 players, 10 must not have accrued more than two seasons in the league. The other six do not have any limitations and are categorized as "veterans."
The qualifications for the practice squad are as follows:
- Players who do not have an accrued season of NFL experience (rookies);
- Players who were on the active list for fewer than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s);
- Up to four players per team who have earned no more than two accrued seasons (no game limitations);
- Up to six players per team with no limitations as to their number of earned accrued seasons.
Teams are allowed to protect up to four players on the practice squad each week. Other teams cannot sign these protected players.
Can NFL practice squad players play in games?
Yes, practice squad players have the ability to play in games, if they are added to the game-day roster ahead of time.
Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players the day of a game in order to fill out the 48-man roster on game days. However, after the game is over, those players must revert back to the practice squad.
Players cannot be elevated more than three times in one season. After that, the team must sign them to the active roster.
Can practice squad players sign with other teams?
Yes, practice squad players can sign with other teams. However, there is a stipulation to it.
If a practice squad player signs with another team, then they must be added to that team's 53-man active roster.
A player may not sign onto the practice squad of another team while an active member of a practice squad.
NFL practice squad salaries
There are two separate brackets that the NFL uses to determine practice squad salaries.
They are broken up into players with two or fewer seasons in the NFL, and then those considered NFL veterans.
Players who have accrued two or fewer NFL seasons are paid weekly at a fixed rate. The salary is set at $12,000 in 2023, but is going to increase each year throughout the rest of the current CBA.
| Year | Weekly salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $12,000 |
| 2024 | $12,500 |
| 2025 | $13,000 |
| 2026 | $13,750 |
| 2027 | $14,500 |
| 2028 | $15,250 |
| 2029 | $16,000 |
| 2030 | $16,750 |
NFL veterans do not have a set salary rate. Instead, they hold the ability to negotiate the dollar amount on their deal, albeit it is not a large range for the salary.
The minimum weekly salary for a vet on the practice squad in 2023 is $16,100, while the maximum is $20,600.
| Year | Minimum salary | Maximum salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $16,100 | $20,600 |
| 2024 | $16,800 | $21,300 |
| 2025 | $17,500 | $22,000 |
| 2026 | $18,350 | $22,850 |
| 2027 | $19,200 | $23,700 |
| 2028 | $20,900 | $25,400 |
| 2029 | $20,900 | $25,400 |
| 2030 | $21,750 | $26,250 |
