With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waiving Shilo Sanders, many claim that there’s still a decent shot that he finds a spot in Todd Bowles’ practice squad.
And even if he doesn’t crack the active lineup right away, the practice squad isn’t exactly a bad fallback. It’s a place where players can develop, stay ready, and, if they prove themselves, eventually work their way up.
The truth is, given what Shilo is facing, making a team won’t be easy. But here’s the part most people don’t realize: the money on the practice squad is far from pocket change.
In fact, it’s solid enough that Deion Sanders Jr. recently pointed out how some people go to school for years chasing salaries that practice squad players are already pulling in.
How Much Do Practice Squad Players Make
Rookies on an NFL practice squad aren’t exactly scraping by. They make $13,000 a week, which stacks up quickly over the course of the season.
Since the NFL runs an 18-week regular season, that comes out to $234,000, a number that surprises a lot of fans who assume practice squad players barely get by. As Bucky highlighted on Instagram, that kind of paycheck is nothing to dismiss.
Sure, it’s not the millions that star players earn, but it’s steady money for guys still fighting for their shot. More importantly, it gives young players financial security while they keep developing and chasing the ultimate goal of a full-time roster spot.
Veteran Practice Squad Salaries in the NFL
Deion Sanders Jr. didn’t just stop at rookie paychecks; he also pointed out what veterans can earn on the practice squad, and the numbers are eye-opening.
Veterans can make between $17,500 and $22,000 a week. Stretch that across the NFL’s 18-week regular season, and you’re looking at totals ranging from $315,000 to $396,000.
For players who may not crack the 53-man roster, that’s still a serious living. It’s also a reminder that the practice squad isn’t just a placeholder, but a real opportunity with financial upside.
For veterans, it means staying in the league, sharpening their game, and keeping the door open for a roster call-up while still earning a six-figure salary.
Deion Sanders Jr. on Practice Squad Pay
“People go to school for 6 to 8 years to make that kind of money. Y’all better go be scout team warriors,” Bucky wrote on his IG story. That’s how Deion Sanders Jr. summed up his take on NFL practice squad salaries.
To him, the numbers aren’t just surprising, they’re proof that even the lowest roles in the league carry serious value.
And with six-figure earnings on the table, it’s easy to see why he views it as an underrated opportunity.
Practice squad players may not get the spotlight, but the paychecks, ranging from $234,000 for rookies to nearly $400,000 for veterans, are nothing to overlook. As Deion Sanders Jr. put it, the grind is worth it, and being a “scout team warrior” can pay off both financially and professionally.