NFL Practice Squad Rules for 2023: What You Need to Know

Two or less seasons: fixed weekly salary of $11,500
Three or more seasons: earn the minimum weekly salary of $16,100

Changes to Team-Friendly Rules

The NFL has implemented several changes to practice squad rules to enhance their accessibility for teams.

Increased Practice Squad Size: Teams can now have up to 16 players on their practice squads, up from 14 in previous years.
Protected Players: Teams can protect up to four players on their practice squad from being poached by other teams.
Expanded Eligibility: Players with up to four accrued NFL seasons are now eligible for the practice squad, whereas the previous limit was three.

In 2023, the minimum weekly salary for a veteran player on the practice squad is $16,100, while the maximum is $19,900.

Players are paid on a scale system based on their NFL experience:

Practice squad players receive a total of $225,000 for the 18-week season.

Here are some additional details about NFL practice squad rules:

Roster Limits: Teams can only have a maximum of 53 players on their active roster and 16 on their practice squad during the regular season.
Practice Squad Restrictions: Practice squad players can participate in all team practices but cannot play in regular season games.
Elevation Rules: Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players to the active roster for each game.
Re-signing Rules: Practice squad players can be re-signed an unlimited number of times if not signed to another team.

For more information on NFL practice squad rules, please refer to the Official NFL Playing Rules.