NFL UDFA Salary Breakdown: What Undrafted Players Earn in Signing Bonuses and Contracts
When undrafted players sign with an NFL team, they usually get a three-year deal at the league’s minimum salary. For 2025, that starts at $840,000, bumps up to $885,000 in 2026, and hits $930,000 by 2027. It’s not exactly chump change, but it’s a step below what drafted players—especially early-round picks—bring home.
Then there’s the signing bonus, which can be a nice little cherry on top. These vary greatly depending on the player’s potential, the team’s needs, and some savvy negotiating. Take Tim McKay, an offensive lineman from NC State—he landed a $275,000 guarantee with the Washington Commanders.
Or Max Brosmer, a Minnesota quarterback who scored $250,000 with the Vikings. Those bonuses show teams are willing to bet on the right talent, even if they weren’t drafted.
The cool thing about being undrafted? You get to pick your spot. Unlike drafted players who go where they’re told, UDFAs can chase the team that feels like the best fit, where they’ve got a real shot to shine. That choice can make all the difference down the road.
Practice Squad Life and the Long Game
Not every UDFA makes the 53-man roster right away. A lot start on the practice squad, grinding it out behind the scenes. In 2025, practice squad players earn $13,000 to $17,500 a week, depending on their experience. Over an 18-week season, that’s roughly $234,000 to $315,000—not bad for a foot in the door.
The practice squad isn’t just a holding pattern anymore. Teams can carry up to 16 players, including six veterans, which means more chances for guys to stick around and show what they’ve got. It’s like a proving ground where hard work can turn heads and earn a call-up to the active roster.
Plenty of players have gone from practice squad to prime time. It’s not uncommon for an UDFA to start there, put in the work, and end up as a key piece of the team. Plus, UDFAs get a leg up on contract talks—they can renegotiate after two years, a year sooner than most drafted players. If they’re balling out, that’s a chance to cash in early.
KEEP READING: What Does Undrafted Free Agent In College Football Mean? Exploring How Did It Help Shilo Sanders Reach Tampa Bay
UDFAs might not get the red-carpet treatment of a first-round pick, but they’ve got something special: freedom, hunger, and a chip on their shoulder. These players can turn a long shot into a lasting NFL career by picking the right team, grinding through the practice squad, and seizing every opportunity. It’s not just about the money—it’s about proving they belong. And for those who do, the payoff is so much sweeter.
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