When it comes to NFL salaries, many fans assume that players are paid year-round. However, the reality is a bit more complicated and depends largely on how each player’s contract is structured.
Regular Season Pay: The Core Salary
For most NFL players, the majority of their income comes from their base salary, which is typically paid during the regular season. The NFL season lasts 18 weeks, and players usually receive 18 weekly game checks during this period. Once the regular season ends, these base salary payments stop unless the player is involved in playoff games or other contractual arrangements.
How Players Get Paid in the Offseason
While base salaries are confined to the regular season, many NFL players still receive money during the offseason through a variety of other payments and bonuses. Here are the most common offseason payment methods:
1. Signing Bonuses
When players sign new contracts, they often receive a signing bonus — a lump sum paid up front or spread over time. These bonuses can be substantial and are sometimes paid out shortly after signing, even if it’s during the offseason.
2. Roster Bonuses
A roster bonus is paid if a player is still on the team’s roster as of a specific date, often in March when the new league year begins. This bonus forces teams to make roster decisions early and gives players financial security if they remain with the team.
3. Workout Bonuses
Some contracts include workout bonuses that reward players for participating in a certain percentage of offseason team activities. For example, players may lose a portion of this bonus if they skip voluntary workouts or organized team activities (OTAs).
4. Performance Incentives
Certain contracts contain performance incentives based on individual or team achievements during the previous season. These incentives are often calculated and paid out during the offseason.
Contract Structure Varies
The exact details of how and when a player gets paid in the offseason depend entirely on the individual contract. Some players may have payments spaced out across the year, while others receive lump sums at certain contract milestones. For example, Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson has publicly explained that while his base salary comes during the season, bonuses and other payments are often scheduled for the offseason.
Summary
- In-season pay: Base salaries are paid weekly during the NFL’s 18-week regular season.
- Offseason pay: Players may receive signing bonuses, roster bonuses, workout bonuses, and performance incentives.
- Contract-dependent: The exact offseason pay structure varies based on the player’s individual contract terms.
