The NFL minimum salary refers to the amount of money that a player earns from their team in the NFL. This salary is typically determined by a contract that is negotiated between the player and the team, which outlines the terms of payment and other conditions, such as the length of the contract and performance incentives.
The salary that a player earns can vary widely depending on their skill level, experience, and position, with top players earning millions of dollars per year. The NFL also has a salary cap, which is a limit on the total amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries each year.

NFL Minimum Salary in 2023
The exact NFL minimum salary for player in 2023 is not yet known, as it will be determined by the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is subject to negotiation between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). However, based on the terms of the current CBA and previous increases, it’s likely that the minimum salaries for the 2023 season will increase from the 2022 season.
It’s important to note that the final minimum salary amounts for the 2023 season could be adjusted based on the economic conditions of the league and the outcome of CBA negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA.
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NFL Minimum Salary in 2022
The minimum salary for an NFL player in 2022 is expected to increase based on the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The exact amounts have not yet been announced as they are subject to negotiation and could be adjusted based on the economic conditions of the league. However, based on the terms of the current CBA, the minimum salaries for the 2022 season are expected to be as follows:
- Rookie: $660,000
- 1 year of experience: $825,000
- 2 years of experience: $940,000
- 3 years of experience: $1.06 million
- 4-6 years of experience: $1.175 million
- 7-9 years of experience: $1.31 million
- 10+ years of experience: $1.45 million
It’s important to note that these amounts are subject to change and could be adjusted based on the outcome of CBA negotiations.
NFL Minimum Salary in 2021
The minimum salary for an NFL player depends on the number of credited seasons they have played in the league. For the 2021 season, the minimum salaries are as follows:
- For rookies: $660,000
- For players with one credited season: $825,000
- For players with two credited seasons: $940,000
- For players with three credited seasons: $1,075,000
- For players with four credited seasons: $1,190,000
- For players with five credited seasons: $1,300,000
- For players with six or more credited seasons: $1,075,000 (veteran minimum salary)
Note that credited seasons refer to the number of seasons a player has spent on an NFL roster, active or inactive, during which they have been paid a certain minimum amount of money. It does not necessarily refer to the number of seasons a player has played in games.
NFL Minimum Salary in 2020
The NFL minimum salary for player in 2020 depends on the player’s years of experience in the league. The minimum salaries for 2020 were as follows:
- Rookie: $610,000
- 1 year of experience: $675,000
- 2 years of experience: $750,000
- 3 years of experience: $825,000
- 4-6 years of experience: $910,000
- 7-9 years of experience: $1.05 million
- 10+ years of experience: $1.15 million
It’s important to note that these are the minimum salaries set by the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and many players earn much more than the minimum. Additionally, some teams have their own minimum salary requirements that exceed the league minimum.
Highest-paid players in the NFL
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the highest paid NFL player was Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2020, he signed a 10-year contract extension worth up to $503 million, including $477 million in guaranteed mechanisms.
This contract made him the highest paid player in NFL history. However, it’s important to note that the highest paid player can change over time as new contracts are signed.
Patrick Mahomes is a professional American football quarterback who currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL).
Mahomes was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 10th overall. He began his professional career as a backup quarterback to Alex Smith, but after Smith was traded to the Washington Football Team following the 2017 season, Mahomes became the starting quarterback for the Chiefs.
In his first season as a starter in 2018, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, becoming only the second quarterback in NFL history to achieve this feat. He was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the season and led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship game.
In 2019, Mahomes led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in the process. He threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the game, leading the Chiefs to a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Mahomes has continued to excel in the NFL, earning numerous accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro teams multiple times. He has also signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Chiefs worth over $500 million.
Overall, Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL and is expected to continue to have a successful career in the league.
The trend of increasing salaries in the NFL
The trend of increasing salaries in the NFL has been ongoing for many years. One of the reasons for this trend is the growing popularity of the league, which has resulted in higher revenues from sources such as broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, and ticket sales. This has given teams more financial resources to invest in their players.
In addition to the league’s popularity, the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the players’ union and the league has also played a role in increasing salaries. The CBA sets the minimum salaries for players and also includes provisions for salary caps, revenue sharing, and other financial arrangements between the teams and players.
As the league has continued to grow and generate more revenue, the minimum salaries for players have increased, and many players have been able to negotiate higher salaries through contract extensions or free agency. The increasing salaries have also led to a greater emphasis on salary cap management, as teams must balance their desire to sign and retain star players with the need to stay under the league’s salary cap restrictions.
Overall, the trend of increasing salaries in the NFL is likely to continue as long as the league remains popular and financially successful.