What Is the Lowest Paid NFL Player?

When you think of NFL players, it’s easy to picture massive contracts, flashy endorsements, and millionaire lifestyles. After all, stars like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow have signed deals worth hundreds of millions. But not every NFL player lives that kind of high life. In fact, some players earn closer to what an average American might hope to make in a decade—over the course of an entire NFL season.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the lowest paid NFL players in 2025, what factors determine these salaries, and what it really means to “make it” in professional football.

Understanding NFL Salaries: A Quick Primer

To fully understand who the lowest paid NFL players are and why their pay is structured the way it is, it helps to have a basic grasp of how NFL contracts work.

1. NFL Minimum Salary Scale

Each year, the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) agree on a minimum salary scale for players, based on their years of experience. This ensures that players with more time in the league earn more, even if they’re not star performers. Here’s a simplified version of the NFL minimum salary scale for 2025:

Note: These figures are based on the 2020 CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) and may be subject to annual adjustments.

2. Types of NFL Contracts

NFL players can fall into different categories:

• Drafted Players: Selected in the NFL Draft, typically sign rookie contracts for four years.
• Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs): Not selected in the draft but signed afterward—often at the league minimum.
• Practice Squad Players: Not on the main 53-man roster but still with the team, earning less than active players.
• Reserve/Future Contract Players: Signed after the season ends, usually for league minimum wages.

Now, let’s zoom in on the players who earn the lowest possible wages in the league.

Who Is the Lowest Paid NFL Player in 2025?

The lowest paid NFL player in 2025 is someone on a rookie contract, typically an undrafted free agent or a practice squad player. Let’s break down each.

1. Rookie Minimum Salary (Active Roster)

A rookie on the active 53-man roster will earn $795,000 in 2025, as per the NFL’s minimum salary structure.

This includes:

• Base salary
• No guaranteed money unless negotiated
• Potential bonuses (though often small or non-existent)

This salary is the lowest allowed for any player on an active roster.

2. Practice Squad Salaries

Practice squad players aren’t part of the official game-day roster but are crucial for team development and preparation. They practice with the team and can be promoted when needed.

2025 Practice Squad Weekly Pay Estimates:

A rookie practice squad player earning the low end of the pay scale (e.g., $12,000/week) would make just $216,000 over the course of a season—significantly less than the rookie active roster minimum.

So, while technically still in the NFL, these players earn the lowest salaries across the league.

Why Are Some NFL Players Paid So Little?

While $200,000+ per year is certainly more than the U.S. median income, it’s relatively modest in NFL terms. There are several reasons why some players earn the league minimum:

1. Risk vs. Potential

Many rookies and UDFAs are unproven talents. Teams are willing to take a chance on them—but at minimal cost. If they develop, they can be re-signed or extended later.

2. Salary Cap Management

NFL teams must operate under a salary cap (projected at around $255 million in 2025). Having low-cost players on the roster allows teams to spend more on superstars and key positions.

3. Depth and Flexibility

Practice squad players give teams the flexibility to manage injuries and performance without committing to long-term, expensive contracts.

Real-Life Examples: 2025’s Lowest Paid NFL Players

Though names can change each year, here are the kinds of players you’ll typically find earning the lowest salaries:

• Undrafted Rookies: These players are often signed for the league minimum, without signing bonuses or guarantees. For example, a rookie linebacker from a small school who went undrafted and joined a team’s camp might make the minimum.
• Practice Squad Fill-ins: Players who bounce between practice squads throughout the season might only be on a team for a few weeks—making well under $100,000 if they don’t last.
• Reserve/Futures Contract Players: Signed in January or February, these players train in the offseason and often get cut before Week 1. Their contracts are usually for league minimums and not guaranteed.

Other Financial Considerations

1. Short Career Length

The average NFL career is just 3.3 years. A player making minimum salary for three years may earn around $2 million before taxes and fees—but this money has to last a lifetime, especially if they don’t land another job afterward.

2. Taxes and Fees

NFL players pay:

• Federal and state income taxes (including “jock tax” for out-of-state games)
• Agent fees (typically 1-3%)
• Union dues
• Living expenses, travel, training costs

A rookie earning $795,000 might take home closer to $400,000 – $450,000 after all deductions.

3. Non-Guaranteed Contracts

NFL contracts are rarely fully guaranteed. A player can be cut at any time, losing income immediately unless protected by bonuses or guarantees.

Is the League Minimum Fair?

There’s debate around this topic. On one hand, earning nearly $800,000 at age 22 is a huge opportunity. On the other hand:

• Players risk their long-term health every game.
• They can be cut without warning.
• The job comes with intense pressure and competition.

The NFLPA continues to fight for higher minimums, more guaranteed money, and better post-career support.

Final Thoughts: The Reality Behind the Helmet

While headlines love to spotlight $200 million contracts, the average NFL player—and especially the lowest paid ones—live a very different reality. Whether it’s a practice squad receiver grinding out reps in hopes of getting a shot, or an undrafted rookie trying to stay healthy through training camp, the lowest paid NFL players are some of the hardest working individuals in sports.

Their salaries may be the lowest in the league, but their effort, dedication, and commitment are second to none.

Key Takeaways

• Lowest paid active players in 2025 earn a minimum of $795,000.
• Practice squad players can earn as little as $216,000 per season.
• Most low-salary NFL players are rookies, UDFAs, or on practice squads.
• NFL careers are short, and financial security is far from guaranteed.
• These players may not make headlines, but they’re essential to every team’s success.