Report: Patriots Increase Pay of Select Practice Squad Players

by Richard Hill on Nov 17, 2011 10:56 AM EST in New England Patriots News

Show him the money! (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

According to Brian McIntyre of Mac's Football Blog, the Patriots have decided to increase the pay of select practice squad players:

According to NFLPA documents, defensive end Markell Carter and offensive linemen Nick McDonald and Matt Kopa, three players who have been on the practice squad since the start of the 2011 season, are now being paid at a $149,940 rate, or $8,820 per week.

In addition...cornerback Malcolm Williams, a 2011 seventh-round pick who was re-signed to the practice squad this week, is earning currently being paid at a $163,200 rate, or $9,600 per week.

The Patriots have often increased the pay of players they consider their top practice squad members, and those who have the most likely chance of impacting the team in the future. "Next-Man-Up" players like safety Ross Ventrone and Thomas Welch have been given increased salaries this season and they have gone on to play on the football field on Sunday. McIntyre also notes that tight end Garrett Mills has had an increased salary all season.

The list of higher-pay players also have a correlation to practice success. The Patriots given black jerseys, after a win, to those players (practice squad or depth) the coaches deem the most helpful in practice from the prior week. It's no coincidence that out of six possible jerseys, Matt Kopa has four, and Markell Carter and Garrett Mills have three. Nick McDonald recently won his first jersey and, with the current depth problems on the offensive line, his value is sure to be measured carefully.

Starting cornerback Antwaun Molden is tied with Kopa for the season lead with four jerseys.

A question can be posed about why Williams has the highest pay on the practice squad, but with the secondary missing a lot of talent, it's clear the Patriots want to retain players familiar with the system.

In that same line of thought, if another offensive lineman goes down with an injury, don't be surprised to see Matt Kopa or Nick McDonald brought up to the active roster- and don't be surprised if they fit right in.

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150 grand to be on the practice squad

God damn…

by The Burning Scheyer Jersey on Nov 17, 2011 11:15 AM EST reply actions

minus taxes
minus agent fees
etc

it’s really about how much you can save. you really need to live miserly at that salary.

seems like a lot but they may have to find another job after 3 years in very high unemployment.

the US economy will continue to decline for at least another 10 to 15 years. things aren’t even close to bottom yet.

by prioris on Nov 17, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

...

They have to live miserly? Really?

by Oughat on Nov 17, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

their only in their early 20s

they may be living in a box in their 30s or 40s

when the gravy train is running, that’s the time to buckle down and save what you can

by prioris on Nov 17, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

I guess

but that is assuming they are incapable of finding work outside of the NFL. To suggest they have to live miserly on 150k a year though is absurd.

by Oughat on Nov 17, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

There are many people looking for ANY job and can’t find one. The unemployment situation will get a lot worse.

There may be work for some but mostly at piss poor wages. The economy isn’t going into any recovery for a long time. As they get older, finding a job becomes more difficult.

by prioris on Nov 17, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

I think he meant if they wanted to save some money for later,

they would have to live miserly. He’s right in that regard. You’re not going to set yourself up for life at 150k, especially if you don’t save like crazy.

True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.

by Hometown Gyro on Nov 17, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't mind being a miser on $150, 000 a year

Also, keep in mind that they are only working for 5-6 months, so they have another half a year to maybe get a job doing something else to supplement their income.

by furiousd on Nov 17, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

It is people’s nature to live to whatever income their currently making. That money can disappear real fast. It’s counter intuitive to realize you need to batten down the hatches and save especially when your bank account is relatively empty.

People tend to think that their current gravy train will continue until BB releases them and they get no more phone calls.

Look at people who have won the lottery and end up going bankrupt and even their family and friends. Most players need a trustworthy financial advisor and a financial plan. It’s hard to mentally do it when your very young. I made enough money to know that $150K is not a lot unless that is after taxes and yearly expenses and banked.

The easiest self made financial plan is – establish a budget and live on it then buy some treasuries and bank the rest of it. It takes some savvy and experience to properly manage money.

Look at how fast Mike Tyson blew thru 700 million.

I think the one thing that dooms a lot of people is that they have some type of addiction in their personalities – not necessarily drugs. They just can’t control themselves so even with warnings they drive themselves to financial ruins. You really have to have your mental shit together.

by prioris on Nov 17, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

ask Ventrone about insecurity of being a ps player

He knows a thing or two about it

Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?

by cruelangelT on Nov 17, 2011 2:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

ask Ventrone about insecurity of being a ps player

He knows a thing or two about it

Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?

by cruelangelT on Nov 17, 2011 2:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

sorry my android acted up

Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?

by cruelangelT on Nov 17, 2011 2:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

android acting up?

Its doesnt have links to Skynet does it? If so you’d better watch your ass or else Hasta La Vista Baby!

by AverageJoeEveryman on Nov 17, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

I think they sell an ointment for that

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Nov 17, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I'm really excited about Markell Carter

I loved what I saw from him in college highlights, but he was too raw in the defensive line role. I doubt he makes an impact this year, but going forward I think he definitely contributes.

It is curious about Williams’ salary.

the artist formerly known as amadeus

'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant

contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com

by Austin Martin on Nov 17, 2011 11:34 AM EST via mobile reply actions

When you consider that he was 7th round and probably had much higher contract then was cut, he probably a little depressed about the 150K since he lost a 100K or more

by prioris on Nov 17, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions