Performance-Based Pay: A Windfall for Some, a Pittance for Others
Hey there, sports fans! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of NFL performance-based pay. It’s that time of year when players get a little extra cash in their pockets, and some of the numbers might surprise you. Let’s break it down and see who made bank and who got, well, a little less than expected.
First up, let’s talk about Brock Purdy. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback is no stranger to making headlines, and this time it’s for his performance-based pay. Purdy earned a cool $857,842.50, thanks to the NFL’s annual payout for players who saw significant action on the field. Not bad for the final draft pick in 2022, right?
Here’s how it works: The league uses a formula that considers a player’s total snaps, base salary, and a bonus pool of $14.128 million available to each NFL team. It’s a way for players with low base salaries to get some extra compensation for high snap counts. Purdy’s full season salary of $1.24 million, combined with his total playtime of 81.3% for all potential snaps, netted him a bonus that nearly exceeded his base salary of $985,000.
But don’t get too used to seeing Purdy on this list. The Pro Bowler is eligible for a massive contract extension after his third season, so his days of cashing in on the annual performance bonus are numbered.
The $1 Million Club
Now, let’s take a look at the players who really hit the jackpot. These guys earned over $1 million in performance-based pay:
- Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets, ILB: $1,092,205.86. Sherwood maxed out his playtime percentage and doubled his base salary of $1.05 million. He led the NFL with 98 solo tackles and signed a three-year extension worth $45 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
- Jaylon Jones, Indianapolis Colts, CB: $1,060,961.40. Jones started all 17 games, totaling two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 100 total tackles.
- Michael Jackson, Carolina Panthers, CB: $1,035,259.76. Jackson played on 99% of the team’s defensive snaps.
- Daniel Faalele, Baltimore Ravens, OL: $1,020,870.54. Faalele played all but three of Baltimore’s offensive snaps and ranked 20th in pass block win rate as a guard.
- Matt Pryor, Chicago Bears, OT: $1,020,302.75. Pryor ranked 18th in pass block win rate as a guard and took snaps at every position except center.
Five Smallest Bonuses
On the flip side, some players received bonuses that were, let’s say, a bit more modest:
- Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LB: $342.58. Barrett played 12 snaps in Week 18 after retiring and then returning to the field.
- Evan Hull, Colts, RB: $804.29. Hull played only one snap last season.
- Jordan McFadden, Los Angeles Chargers, G: $862.99. McFadden also played just one snap last season.
- Jaret Patterson, Chargers, RB: $917.29. Patterson’s lone snap came on a kickoff return.
- Jeff Driskel, Washington Commanders, QB: $981.12. Driskel played just one snap last season.
Guys Who Double-Dipped with Two Teams
Some players managed to earn bonuses from two different teams:
- Jamal Adams, Detroit Lions, S: $2,232. Adams played in five combined games for the Titans and the Lions.
- Baron Browning, Arizona Cardinals, LB: $123,228. Browning played 13 games for both the Broncos and the Cardinals.
- Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills, WR: $19,985. Cooper was traded from Cleveland to Buffalo midseason.
The Other Top Quarterbacks
Finally, let’s check out some of the other quarterbacks who made a splash:
- Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints: $334,559.90. Rattler started six of seven contests after Derek Carr’s injuries.
- Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings: $304,651.46. Darnold had a comeback season, earning a multiyear deal with the Seahawks.
- Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders: $300,038.43. O’Connell couldn’t secure the starting job, leading to a trade for Geno Smith.
- Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: $296,509.72. Nix made a run at Offensive Rookie of the Year, starting all 17 games.
So there you have it, folks! The highs and lows of the NFL’s performance-based payouts. Whether it’s a million-dollar bonus or just a few hundred bucks, every little bit counts in the world of professional football.
Originally Written by: Ben Baby
