The Patriots have a long history of paying some of their practice squad players more than the minimum salary. They continued this tradition late last month by increasing the weekly pay of seven practice squad players, according to league sources.
A little background: The 2017 standard weekly pay for a practice squad player is $7,200. The minimum yearly salary for a practice squad player is $122,400. The 2017 standard weekly pay for an NFL rookie is $27,352.94. The minimum yearly salary for a rookie is $465,000.
The Patriots have 10 players on their practice squad. The following players are now being paid more than the minimum weekly amount of $7,200:
Offensive lineman James Ferentz, an original member of the Patriots practice squad: $15,000 a week or $225,000 a year. Ferentz's weekly pay was more than doubled going from $7,200 to $15,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $169,200 ($7,200 times 11 weeks plus $15,000 times six weeks).
Wide receiver Cody Hollister, an original member of the Patriots practice squad: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. Cody's weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $139,200 ($7,200 times 11 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
Safety Damarius Travis, another original member of the Patriots practice squad: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. Travis' weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $139,200 ($7,200 times 11 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
Safety David Jones, another original member of the Patriots practice squad: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. Jones's weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $139,200 ($7,200 times 11 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
Wide receiver Riley McCarron, who was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 22: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. McCarron's weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $124,800 ($7,200 times 9 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
Cornerback Jomal Wiltz, who was re-signed to the practice squad on Sept. 25: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. Wiltz's weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $117,600 ($7,200 times 8 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
Tight end Will Tye, who was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 2: $10,000 or $170,000 a year. Tye's weekly pay was increased by $2,800 from $7,200 to $10,000 for the last six weeks of the season. His cap number is now $103,200 ($7,200 times 6 weeks plus $10,000 times six weeks).
The other three members of the Patriots practice squad are:
- Cornerback Ryan Lewis, who is being paid the same weekly salary as a rookie - $27,352.94
- Defensive Tackle Marcus Hardison
- Offensive Tackle Jason King
