We are talking about practice – squads.
The NFL's roster cut deadline has come and gone, leaving at least 1,184 players to look for a new team. Trades and waiver claims will only make that number grow over time, leading to what is set to be a chaotic few days before everyone's attention is officially turned to Week 1 of the regular season.
After all, initial 53-man rosters are just that – initial.
Fortunately for those players off the 53-man roster, there is another path forward. That comes in the form of the practice squad.
For some, it's a developmental opportunity. For others, it's a way to stay involved in the league until an opportunity presents itself.
One way or another, the practice squad has become a valuable tool for teams across the league
to use. Here's what to know about how much those players make, how many can be on that roster and more.
How much do practice squad players make?
Experience determines how much money a practice squad player will make.
Players with fewer than two or fewer seasons will make $13,750 per week in 2026. If the player remains on the practice squad for the entirety of the regular season, that will equate to $247,500.
Those with more than two seasons of experience have some negotiating power. In 2026, that salary range is between $18,350 and $22,850 per week.
It means that the more experience players, provided they remain on the practice squad for the entire regular season, would make between $330,300 and $411,300 for the year.
Practice squad salaries are paid out on a weekly basis, meaning the money stops coming in if the player has been released.
These contracts do not count towards the salary cap.
Who is eligible for the practice squad?
Every player, regardless of amount of experience, is eligible to join the practice squad.
While primarily a developmental roster, teams can also sign up to six veteran players with to the squad. It's a matter of preference and strategy for teams and how they choose to utilize those spots.
Considering those players can eventually see some game action, it's a way to secure additional depth. For younger players that weren't deemed ready to make the 53-man roster, the practice squad is a way for teams to continue developing their talent without tying up a spot.
How many players can be on the practice squad?
NFL practice squads can have a maximum of 16 players. However, that limit can be extended to 17 if the team wants to sign a player from the NFL's International Player Pathway program to the practice squad.
Teams can carry no more than six veterans at a time on the practice squad. That means the remaining 10 spots can only go to first- or second-year players.
Can practice squad players play in games?
Practice squad players can be added to the active roster for games.
Teams can elevate those players a maximum of three times before they have to be signed to the active roster. Only two players per week can be moved up to the active roster.
Once the game is over, the player is then returned to the practice squad without having to pass through waivers.
Can practice squad players sign with other teams?
Practice squad players can sign with other teams, provided it is for an opportunity on a 53-man roster. A player cannot elect to leave a team's practice squad just to sign with another one.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How much do NFL practice squad players make? Everything to know
