Emmanuel Moseley getting paid roughly equivalent of 53-man roster spot

The San Francisco 49ers made a notable practice squad move in Week 6. The team gave cornerback Emmanuel Moseley a sizable raise, according to 49ers cap expert Jason Hurley. Moseley was making the practice squad minimum of $7,600 per week for the first five weeks. Starting in Week 6, his weekly salary was increased to $28,235. That number projected out over the full 17 week season is roughly equivalent to what a rookie would earn on the 53-man roster.

This kind of raise suggests another team was sniffing around hoping to sign Moseley to their 53-man roster. A practice squad player is under contract to his current team, but he is free to sign to another team’s 53-man roster at any point. He cannot sign directly with another practice squad while on another practice squad, but if offered a 53-man roster deal, his current team’s only recourse is offering a raise.

The 49ers signed Moseley this past May as an undrafted free agent. During training camp, Moseley received praise from the coaching staff. He was part of final roster cuts however, and has spent the entire season on the 49ers practice squad. The cornerbacks have had their share of troubles, but there has been no indication of a roster promotion to change things up. Jimmie Ward is dealing with a hamstring injury, so an opportunity could arise this weekend, but for now, the team is hanging on to Moseley with the boosted practice squad salary.