The NFL’s Performance-Based Payouts: Who Cashed In and Who Missed Out?

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.

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 too shabby for the final draft pick in 2022!

So, how does this performance-based pay work? Each year, 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 their hard work on the field. 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 Purdy’s days of cashing in on this annual bonus are numbered. The Pro Bowler is eligible for a massive contract extension after his third season, so his financial future looks bright.

The $1 Million Club

Now, let’s take a look at some of the players who really cashed in this year. These guys made over a million dollars in performance-based pay:

• Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets, ILB: Sherwood earned $1,092,205.86, doubling his base salary of $1.05 million. He was a standout for the Jets, starting in 16 of his 17 appearances and leading the NFL with 98 solo tackles. His performance also earned him a three-year extension worth $45 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
• Jaylon Jones, Indianapolis Colts, CB: Jones took home $1,060,961.40 after starting all 17 games for the Colts last season. He also recorded two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 100 total tackles.
• Michael Jackson, Carolina Panthers, CB: Jackson earned $1,035,259.76 for his efforts with the Panthers. The sixth-year veteran played in all of Carolina’s games and was on the field for 99% of the team’s defensive snaps.
• Daniel Faalele, Baltimore Ravens, OL: Faalele made $1,020,870.54 in his first season as a starter, playing all but three of Baltimore’s offensive snaps. He ranked 20th in pass block win rate as a guard.
• Matt Pryor, Chicago Bears, OT: Pryor received $1,020,302.75 in bonus pay. He ranked 18th in pass block win rate as a guard and played every position except center last season.

Now, let’s talk about the other end of the spectrum. Not everyone was as fortunate as Purdy and the million-dollar club. Here are the five smallest bonuses handed out this year:

• Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LB: Barrett received a mere $342.58. He started the year with the Miami Dolphins but retired before playing a game, only to change his mind and join Tampa Bay for the end of last season. He played just 12 snaps in Week 18 for the Buccaneers.
• Evan Hull, Colts, RB: Hull earned $804.29 for playing just one snap last season, a kneel-down at the end of a Week 7 win against the Dolphins.
• J.K. Dobbins, Indianapolis Colts, RB: Dobbins played one snap last season, which was a kneel-down at the end of a Week 7 win against the Dolphins, earning him $804.29.
• Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LB: Barrett played 12 snaps in Week 18 for the Buccaneers, earning him a bonus of $342.58.
• Jeff Driskel, Washington Commanders: Driskel’s lone snap of 2024 came when he filled in for Derek Carr after an injury. He earned $19,985 for his brief appearance.

Now, let’s talk about some of the other top quarterbacks who made a splash in the performance-based pay pool:

• Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints: Rattler was thrust into action after Derek Carr suffered multiple injuries during the season. He started six games and earned $334,559.90 in bonus pay.
• Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers: As mentioned earlier, Purdy earned $857,842.50 in performance-based pay, nearly matching his base salary of $985,000. With a full season salary of $1.24 million and a total playtime of 81.3% for all potential snaps, Purdy made the most of his opportunity.
• Baron Browning, Arizona Cardinals, LB: Browning played 13 games for both the Titans and the Cardinals in 2024, earning $19,985 in bonus pay.

It’s fascinating to see how the NFL’s performance-based pay system rewards players who might not have the highest base salaries but still make significant contributions on the field. While some players like Purdy and Sherwood are cashing in big, others are getting just a small taste of the bonus pool. It’s a reminder of the diverse landscape of the NFL, where every snap counts and every player has a chance to earn a little extra for their hard work.

So, what do you think about this year’s performance-based pay distribution? Do you think it’s a fair system, or do you think there are better ways to reward players for their contributions on the field? Let us know in the comments below!