Miami Dolphins’ third-string quarterback Jake Rudock enjoyed a successful run with the Dolphins this summer — his third string offense constantly moving the ball and helping the Dolphins churn out three wins this preseason. Rudock was terrific in the Dolphins’ fourth and final contest, in which he played every snap and was constantly in control of the action.
But Rudock is also a player who has some physical limitations with his arm that temper his potential — and as a result Rudock was cut from the Dolphins’ 90 man roster this past weekend. But that didn’t stop the Dolphins from tacking Rudock onto their practice squad, although the team made sure Rudock didn’t get away by hitting him with a notably high weekly salary.
The minimum salary for practice squad players is $8,000 a week on the current NFL bargaining agreement, but that figure is a floor — not a ceiling. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero has uncovered some of the higher weekly salaries across the league — and Rudock makes the list.
It’s clear the Dolphins did what was necessary so that a sharp young quarterback didn’t escape their grasp — even if it mean paying two and a half times the minimum salary for practice squad talents. If the Dolphins experience an injury to Josh Rosen or Ryan Fitzpatrick this season, you can be certain they’ll call up Rudock to serve as the primary back-up.
