Patriots: Three practice squad players receive enhanced contracts
The New England Patriots are giving a pay raise to three practice squad players, according to the Boston Globe's Ben Volin. RB Ty Montgomery, OL James Ferentz, and LB Calvin Munson will all receive $20,600 per week for being on the practice squad. The others, including players like QB Bailey Zappe and QB/ATH Malik Cunningham, […]
The New England Patriots are giving a pay raise to three practice squad players, according to the Boston Globe's Ben Volin. RB Ty Montgomery, OL James Ferentz, and LB Calvin Munson will all receive $20,600 per week for being on the practice squad. The others, including players like QB Bailey Zappe and QB/ATH Malik Cunningham, will get the veteran minimum of $12,000 per week. Notably, that is a stark decrease from the approximately $75,115 Zappe made per week in 2022.
All three players have been in the league for at least six seasons, and all three were fringe roster guys. Munson was a preseason standout, Ferentz is a long-time emergency offensive lineman for the Patriots, and Montgomery is the only natural receiving back on the team. It makes sense that all three players would receive an additional incentive to stay with the Patriots practice squad, given their value and veteran status.
Montgomery has bounced around the league a bit, having been with five teams since he was drafted in 2016. He landed with the Patriots in 2022 and was projected to have a pretty significant role in the offense before sustaining an ankle injury in the preseason finale, causing him to miss the entirety of the season. It remains to be seen if he has a role in the Bill O'Brien scheme, but it appears he is a guy they want to stick around.
Ferentz is a long-time Patriot. He has been with the team for seven seasons, bouncing between a starter and the practice squad. Entering his age-35 season, the Patriots reward him with a bit of extra pocket change.
Lastly, Munson is another long-time Patriot. Having his first stint with the team in 2018, and bouncing around the league a bit, he has found his way back to New England and is on his third stint with the team.
The Patriots kick off on Sunday, September 10th, versus the reigning Super Bowl attendees, the Philadelphia Eagles. All three options are viable practice squad elevation candidates and names to keep your eye on as potential in season 53-man roster additions.
Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
