Vikings Sign WR Thayer Thomas to Practice Squad

Former NC State Wide Receiver Thayer Thomas has been signed to the Vikings’ Practice Squad.

After going undrafted earlier this year, Minnesota picked up Thomas as an undrafted free agent. Thomas played in all three preseason games for the Vikings. He flashed a lot in Fall Camp, but ultimately was cut, but Minnesota wanted to keep Thomas around, adding him to their Practice Squad.

Thomas’ story has been unbelievable. A former walk-on at NC State, who went on to finish his career ranked 2nd in career receptions, 5th in receiving yards, and 2nd in touchdown receptions.

He’s defied the odds every step of the way.

I’ve learned not to bet against Thomas. I’m putting my money on him making a 53-man roster one day.

Below is a breakdown of the pay scale of members of NFL Practice Squads.

“Players with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons earn at least $11,500 per week, which equals $207,000 for 18 weeks spent on the practice squad. (A player accrues a season when they are on full-time pay status for at least six regular-season games). Players with two or more accrued seasons make a minimum of $15,400 per week and $277,200 for the whole season. For comparison, the minimum salary for a rookie on an active roster this season is $705,000.” (NBC)

“If a practice squad player is promoted to the active roster, he earns the prorated minimum salary for a player with his years of experience. So a rookie called up to the active roster ahead of a game would see his pay increased from $11,500 to over $39,000. A player with seven-plus years of experience would earn over $62K.” (NBC)