The average weekly pay for an NFL practice squad player, including quarterbacks, is approximately $16,900. This figure is derived from the established salary range for all practice squad members.
Understanding Practice Squad Salaries
NFL practice squad players, regardless of their position, receive a weekly salary that falls within a league-wide designated range. For a typical season, practice squad players can expect to earn between $12,500 and $21,300 per week. Quarterbacks, like all other positions on the practice squad, adhere to this pay structure, as there is no specific separate pay scale for QBs on the practice squad.
To determine the average weekly earning from this range, the midpoint is calculated:
- Minimum weekly salary for practice squad players: $12,500
- Maximum weekly salary for practice squad players: $21,300
The average (midpoint) is calculated as:
($12,500 + $21,300) / 2 = $33,800 / 2 = $16,900 per week.
Potential Annual Earnings for Practice Squad Members
While salaries are paid weekly, practice squad players aim to remain on the squad for the entire NFL season. Considering an 18-week season (17 regular season games plus one bye week), the potential annual earnings can be substantial.
| Weekly Salary Range | Average Weekly Salary | Potential Annual Earnings (18 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| $12,500 - $21,300 | $16,900 | $304,200 |
It's important to note that a player's tenure on the practice squad can vary throughout the season. Players may be signed to the active roster, released, or signed by another team's active roster at any point, which would impact their total earnings.
Factors Influencing Practice Squad Pay
While a set minimum and maximum apply, certain factors can subtly influence a player's precise weekly earnings within the established range:
- Experience Level: Players with more accrued NFL seasons or specific veteran designations might be eligible for the higher end of the practice squad pay scale, particularly if the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) allows for differentiated pay based on experience.
- Team Discretion: Though specific figures are set by the CBA, teams may sometimes opt to pay certain players more than the minimum, up to the maximum allowable, based on their perceived value or potential contribution.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The NFL's CBA periodically updates the minimum and maximum weekly salaries for practice squad players, which are subject to increases over time.
Being on the practice squad provides players with a valuable opportunity to continue developing their skills, learn a team's offensive or defensive system, and potentially earn a promotion to the active 53-man roster, which typically comes with significantly higher pay and benefits.
