NFL playoff paychecks work a little differently than the regular season. Instead of individual contracts, postseason earnings come from a league pool. Every eligible player gets the same amount per round, no matter what they made during the regular season.
Here’s everything you need to know about how NFL players get paid in the playoffs.
How Are NFL Playoffs Paid?
During the NFL playoffs, salaries no longer apply. Instead, the NFL uses a league pool to allocate postseason pay. Every player on the 53-man roster, injured reserve, or elevated from the practice squad earns the same amount based on the round in 2024:
- Wild-Card Round:
Division winners: $54,500
Other wild-card teams: $49,500
Teams with byes: $49,500
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- Divisional Round: $54,500
- Conference Championship: $77,000
- Super Bowl:
Winning team: $171,000
Losing team: $96,000
The maximum postseason payout for a player is $357,000 if their team (as a division winner) plays in all four rounds and wins the Super Bowl.
How Do Regular-Season Salaries Compare?
Playoff pay often feels like a pay cut for players earning big contracts. For example, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford made $1.305 million weekly from his $23.5 million regular-season salary. In contrast, he earned $54,500 for a wild-card win, which matches the weekly pay of players making the $985,000 third-year player minimum.
NFL Playoff Player Pay Reaches $357,000 for 2025 Super Bowl Winners https://t.co/HGQ6uagQeT via @sportico #NFL | #SportsBiz
— Brendan Coffey (@bpcoffey) January 13, 2025
On the other hand, players with lower salaries, like Chiefs punter Matt Araiza ($795,000 in 2024), see playoff earnings as a significant boost. A $352,000 postseason run could account for nearly 45% of Araiza’s annual income.
Practice Squad Players’ Pay
Practice squad players continue earning their weekly rate during the NFL playoffs:
- Standard rate: $12,500 per week
- Veterans: Between $16,800 and $21,300 per week
If a practice squad player is elevated to the 53-man roster, they’re paid the roster rate for that game. For example, Bills safety Kareem Jackson earned $54,500 for the divisional playoffs instead of his $16,800 practice squad rate due to elevation.
Also Read: 2025 NFL Playoffs: Is First-Round Bye An Advantage For Top Seeding Teams?
Payment Eligibility Rules
Eligibility depends on a player’s status and how long they’ve been with the team. Here’s a breakdown:
Full Share:
- Players on the 53-man roster for at least three games (regular season or playoffs).
- Veterans on injured reserve (IR) during the regular season or preseason who are still under contract.
- Players who spent at least eight games on the roster but aren’t under contract with another team in the same conference.
Half Share:
- Players on the 53-man roster for less than three games.
- Non-vested veterans (1-3 years of service) on IR during the preseason.
- Players who spent 3-7 games on the roster and aren’t under contract with another team in the same conference.
Quarter Share:
First-year players on IR during the preseason with certain prior-season qualifications, like eight games on a practice squad or one to two game checks from a 53-man roster.
Double Dipping In NFL Postseason Pay
Some players earn playoff money from multiple teams. For instance:
- Mike Edwards: The safety earned $54,500 for the Buccaneers’ wild-card loss but could also qualify for payments from his earlier stint with the Bills.
- Devin White: The Texans linebacker earned $109,000 from the wild-card win and stands to gain $124,000 more if the Eagles win the Super Bowl, thanks to his four-game stint with Philadelphia.
Unique Scenarios
Certain cases highlight how playoff pay can vary:
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Although released by the Chiefs midseason, he’s eligible for $248,000 if they win the Super Bowl because he spent nine games on their roster.
https://t.co/2uqxuAZdue #nfl #ChiefsKingdom Clyde Edwards-Helaire was recently released by the Kansas City Chiefs after participating in nine games this NFL season. He quickly signed with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad, where he could benefit financially if the Chiefs…
— QWIKET NFL (@qwiket_nfl) January 17, 2025
- Casey Toohill: Currently on the Bills’ practice squad, Toohill’s unique position allows him to earn practice squad pay alongside roster bonuses if not elevated for a conference championship or Super Bowl games. For example, he’d earn $93,800 for the AFC Championship game while Josh Allen makes $77,000.
When Do Players Get Paid?
NFL Playoff payments are due within 15 days after a game. For players making the league minimum or on practice squads, these checks can significantly impact their earnings. While superstars may see playoff pay as a small bonus, it’s a meaningful financial boost for many. That’s what makes every playoff run all the more rewarding- on and off the field.
Also Read: Is The NFL Considering A New Playoff Format For 2025? Here’s What It Could Mean
