I don't doubt for a moment that the owners think they are saving tons of money by keeping the roster at 53, and paying practice squad players less money.
Practice squad players make $12,000 per week (or $216,000 for 18 weeks). Veteran players with over two years of experience will make a minimum of $16,100 per week (or $289,800 for 18 weeks), and a maximum of $20,600 per week (or $370,800 for 18 weeks).
There is also a maximum of ten free agent players per club who have earned no more than two accrued seasons (low pay rookies).
Last year the minimum rookie salary was $750,000.
So $750,000 minus $370,800 equals $379,200.
Multiply times 18 equals $6,825,600.
More savings if you factor in a lower ($289,800) number.
The billionaire owners don't need an extra $6 million, but they surely will grab it if they can.