NFL Performance-Based Pay: Who Earned Big and Who Got the Short End?

The NFL's performance-based pay system is designed to reward players who see significant action on the field, even if their base salaries are low. This year, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers nearly doubled his salary with a performance-based bonus of $857,842.50. Purdy, the final draft pick in 2022, played 81.3% of all potential snaps, earning him a bonus that nearly exceeded his base salary of $985,000.

The $1 Million Club

• Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets, ILB: Sherwood maxed out his playtime percentage and doubled his base salary of $1.05 million. He started in 16 of his 17 appearances and led the NFL with 98 solo tackles.
• Jaylon Jones, Indianapolis Colts, CB: Jones started all 17 games, totaling two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 100 tackles.
• Michael Jackson, Carolina Panthers, CB: Jackson played on 99% of the team's defensive snaps.
• Daniel Faalele, Baltimore Ravens, OL: Faalele played all but three of Baltimore's offensive snaps.
• Matt Pryor, Chicago Bears, OT: Pryor ranked 18th in pass block win rate as a guard.

The Smallest Bonuses

• Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LB: Barrett played only 12 snaps in Week 18, earning $342.58.
• Evan Hull, Colts, RB: Hull earned $804.29 for playing just one snap.
• Jordan McFadden, Los Angeles Chargers, G: McFadden played one snap in Week 4.
• Jaret Patterson, Chargers, RB: Patterson's lone snap came on a kickoff return.
• Jeff Driskel, Washington Commanders, QB: Driskel played one play in Week 2.

Double-Dipped Players

• Jamal Adams, Detroit Lions, S: Adams played in five combined games for the Titans and the Lions.
• Baron Browning, Arizona Cardinals, LB: Browning played 13 games for both the Broncos and the Cardinals.
• Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills, WR: Cooper was traded midseason from Cleveland to Buffalo.

Other Top Quarterbacks

• Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints: Rattler started six of seven contests.
• Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings: Darnold had a massive comeback season, earning a multiyear deal with the Seahawks.
• Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas Raiders: O'Connell completed 63.4% of his passes in nine games.
• Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: Nix started all 17 games for the Broncos.

This year's performance-based payouts highlight the diverse experiences of NFL players, from those who earned significant bonuses to those who saw minimal action on the field.