The practice squad allows players to remain as part of the team even if there is no space on the main 53-man roster, before potentially being added back into the 90-man roster the following off-season. Up to two players can also be called up from the practice squad to the main roster each week to play in NFL games.
Christian Wade, the England wing now at Racing 92, spent three years on the Buffalo Bills practice squad, famously scoring a touchdown with his first carry in a pre-season game back in 2019.
When are roster cutdowns?
Teams must confirm their final 53-man roster usually by the end of August. Should Rees-Zammit make the cut, even though the athletic traits are obviously there it would be an extraordinary achievement given his lack of NFL experience before taking part in the international player pathway, having to learn the entire sport over 10 weeks.
How much money will he make?
Based on figures from 2023, should Rees-Zammit be placed on the practice squad, the absolute minimum salary he would make would be $12,000 (£9,500) per week, coming to a total of $216,000 over an NFL season (£170,000). Should Rees-Zammit make the final 53-man roster, then the minimum salary for a rookie is $750,000 (£594,350) per year.
Telegraph Sport reported back in January that Rees-Zammit’s final salary with Gloucester was £225,000 per season, with Rees-Zammit earning extra money from his appearance fees playing for Wales.
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