How players are paid during training camp

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Frequently, I field questions about how players are paid during training camp.

Around the NFL, base salaries are typically paid out over the course of the 17-week regular season.

The Titans do it differently: They divide the base salary into 26 semi-monthly installments and pay those starting in September. Then in March, players get a lump sum with the remainder of the salary.

That schedule is left over from original thinking from Bud Adams way back in the history of the Houston Oilers. He looked to ensure guys weren't coming back looking for money after blowing through their salaries. And he kept some money in his accounts for longer.

Preseason pay is a totally separate deal.

Let's summarize how the finances of training camp room, per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.

Room and board: "All players will receive room and board during the preseason training camp, and housing between training camp and the Tuesday prior to their Club’s first regular season game for those players who have not as yet established residence in the Team city."

Rookie per diem: "A first-year player will receive 'per diem' payments, commencing with the first day of Preseason Training Camp and ending one week prior to the Club’s first regular season game." In 2018, that weekly rate is $1,075 

Veteran per diem: "A veteran player will receive 'per diem' payments, commencing with the first day of Preseason Training Camp and ending one week prior to the Club’s first regular season game." In 2018, that weekly rate is $1,900.