Brian Branch is a young, versatile defensive back (Safety/Nickel) for the Detroit Lions who was drafted in the 2nd round (45th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
As a highly productive rookie who quickly became a key defensive player, fan curiosity is high regarding his financial compensation. NFL player salaries are structured differently from most professions, making the true per-game earnings an interesting but complex calculation.
Understanding NFL Salaries
NFL player contracts are multifaceted and generally include three main components:
- Base Salary (Paragraph 5 Salary): The compensation earned during the regular season. This is the amount typically used to calculate per-game pay, as it is paid in 18 installments (covering the 17-game season and the bye week).
- Signing Bonus: A lump sum paid to the player for signing the contract, which is generally paid out early but is prorated across the salary cap for the life of the contract. This money is often fully guaranteed at signing.
- Incentives/Bonuses: Additional amounts like Roster Bonuses, Workout Bonuses, and Performance Incentives.
Rookie contracts, like the one Brian Branch signed, are structured on a four-year scale based on draft position, with specific salaries predetermined for each year and a high percentage of guaranteed money.
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Brian Branch’s Current Contract Details
Brian Branch is currently playing on his rookie contract.
| Detail | Value |
| Year Signed | 2023 (Drafted) |
| Team | Detroit Lions |
| Contract Length | 4 years (2023-2026) |
| Total Contract Value | $8,021,730 |
| Average Annual Salary (AAV) | $2,005,433 |
| Total Guaranteed Money | $5,623,608 |
How Much Does Brian Branch Make Per Game?
To calculate Branch’s per-game earnings, we divide his annual salary by the number of regular-season games in an NFL season, which is 17.
2025 Season:
- Base Salary: $1,379,248
- Per Game Earnings: $1,379,248 ÷ 17 ≈ $80,939 per game
This calculation provides an estimate of his earnings per regular-season game. It’s important to note that this figure does not include potential performance bonuses, playoff shares, or other incentives that may be part of his contract.
Comparison With Other Players
As a second-round pick on his rookie contract, Branch’s per-game earnings from his base salary are high for a player with only a few years of experience, but still significantly lower than star veteran players.
- Rookie vs. Star: The highest-paid safeties in the NFL in 2025 have an average annual salary (AAV) exceeding $25 million (e.g., Kyle Hamilton at $25.1M). These top-tier players would earn approximately $1.39 million per “game check” on a fully guaranteed contract, demonstrating a massive difference between top-end veteran contracts and high-end rookie deals.
- Teammate Comparison: Branch’s 2025 base salary is substantially less than the Lions’ other top safety, Kerby Joseph, who is listed with an AAV of $21.5 million after signing a record-breaking extension, making his per-game earnings dramatically higher.
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Factors That Can Affect Earnings
The calculated figure of $76,624.89 is only from the base salary, and a player’s actual total yearly earnings can fluctuate significantly due to:
- Performance Bonuses and Incentives: Branch’s contract likely includes incentives for reaching specific performance milestones (e.g., Pro Bowl, specific interception or sack totals) which would be paid separately from his game checks. His 2025 contract also includes a Workout Bonus of up to $100,000, which is earned by attending off-season workouts.
- Playoff Pay: Players earn a bonus for each playoff game their team plays, which is a set amount determined by the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), not a portion of their base salary.
- Injuries and Suspensions: If a player is suspended for a game, they forfeit that week’s 1/18th base salary installment. If a player is cut, they only receive the base salary that was guaranteed to them.
Fun Fact: Despite the significant difference in Base Salary, Branch’s total $5,623,608 in guaranteed money at signing from his rookie contract in 2023 was higher than the amount guaranteed to many veteran players on their current deals, illustrating the stability and value of a high draft pick’s first contract in the NFL.
Conclusion
Brian Branch’s estimated per-game earnings from his base salary for the 2025 NFL season are approximately $76,624.89. This figure is determined by dividing his 2025 Base Salary of $1,379,248 by 18 regular season installments.
As a high-value second-round pick, this places him well above the league minimum for a player with his experience, but far below the top earners at his position who have signed massive veteran extensions. His financial outlook is extremely positive, as he is predicted to be in a position to sign one of the largest safety contracts in NFL history after the 2025 season.
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