Saturday, September 5, 2009. It was a day that many NFLPA Certified Advisors would like to forget. They wanted to keep their cell phones on silent throughout the day, but knew that it was not a possibility. Saturday marked the day that NFL teams would make their final cuts, minimizing their rosters to 53 players (includes active and inactive players). Notable names like David Tyree, Chase Daniel, Dominic Rhodes, and Jeff Garcia were cut on the final day to trim rosters. But just because your client got cut, does not mean that it is the end of the road for him.
The new start-up UFL may be an option, as the league is eager to acquire those who could not make it past final cuts. There is also the possibility of making an NFL team’s practice squad. Since Saturday, many teams have announced players who will appear on their respective practice squads. I find ProFootballTalk.com to be a great source of updates on that matter. For instance, here are 4 players the Cardinals have signed.
Article XXXIV of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement sets the rules for Practice Squads. Teams may not place more than 8 players on the squad + 1 international player (if the league permits it). Practice Squad players are permitted to sign a professional contract with the team it is practicing with or any other NFL club. There are limits on a Practice Squad player signing with the team’s next competitor. Minimum salary for a Practice Squad player is $5,200 per week, which is what most guys on the squad will be earning. As far as eligibility…
