The short answer
In 2026 the NFL practice squad pays $13,750 a week for players with 0 to 2 accrued seasons, and up to $22,850 a week for veterans. A full 18 weeks at the base rate is $247,500 before taxes, about $174,116 after taxes and a 3% agent fee in Texas, or about $155,328 in California. The pay is not guaranteed and stops the week a player is released.
Numbers from the KeepMyCheck calculator using 2026 tax rules. Estimates, not tax advice.
| Weekly, 0 to 2 accrued seasons | $13,750 |
| Weekly, veteran range | $18,350 to $22,850 |
| Full 18 weeks, base rate, before tax | $247,500 |
| Full 18 weeks, after tax (Texas) | $174,116 |
When a practice squad player is called up for a game, he is paid 1/17 of the active-roster minimum for that week. Any team can sign him to its 53-man roster, and if it does, he is guaranteed at least 3 weeks of pay. Weeks on the practice squad do not count toward the NFL pension.
Related questions
- Do practice squad players get paid in the playoffs?
- Yes. They keep getting their weekly practice squad pay for each week the team is still alive.