The NFL awards performance-based bonuses to players each year, allowing them to potentially double their salaries based on various performance categories. Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson received the highest amount of bonuses, totaling $974,613 for his protection output.
This bonus system also benefits players with lower contracts, as it provides an opportunity to earn additional money and potentially secure a new contract. For example, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy earned $739,795 in performance bonuses in addition to his $870,000 contract.
Purdy’s ranking at number 24 on the list can inform both him and the 49ers organization about his contract extension prospects. On the other hand, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned the lowest amount of performance bonus for the 2023 season, receiving just $81.14.
Aaron Rodgers earned only $81.14 in performance-based pay in 2023, lowest in the league. https://t.co/tZJIfiqWSy
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 2, 2024
Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles early in the season and was unable to play. However, the 2024 season could mark his comeback, as he has had time to fully recover. The Jets have also made notable signings in the free agent market, strengthening their roster. With Rodgers back and healthy, he could earn a more substantial performance bonus in the upcoming season.
Heading into the 2024 season, Aaron Rodgers will make his return from injury and aim to stay healthy, which could elevate the New York Jets’ status as AFC contenders. Rodgers also has the opportunity to earn more money through the NFL’s performance-based pay system, where players are rewarded based on their play time and base salary.
Players with lower base salaries receive higher payouts if they accumulate a significant number of snaps. However, Rodgers only played 0.33% of snaps, resulting in a meager payout of $81.14. This system has been criticized for paying players for exceeding their contracts while remaining silent when new contracts are negotiated.
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers earned $81.14 through the NFL’s performance-based pay system, the lowest amount among all NFL players last season.
The system rewards all NFL players based on their play time and base salary. If a player has a low base salary but plays a significant number… pic.twitter.com/dldDmr338f
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2024
Despite this, Rodgers remained determined to recover quickly, possibly to secure more performance bonuses. In comparison, Brock Purdy received around $740k through the same system. Schefter’s tweet announcing Rodgers’ low payout received backlash for being petty.
Although Rodgers didn’t receive extra compensation from the league, he earned a significant amount from the Jets and willingly took a historic pay cut to facilitate the trade. Aaron Rodgers, star quarterback for the New York Jets, had a disappointing season last year after rupturing his Achilles tendon in just four snaps.
As a result, his performance-based pay was laughably low, at a mere $81.14, the lowest in the league. This amount pales in comparison to what the average person earns in a day. However, Rodgers isn’t concerned about this small sum as he still received a hefty $38 million from the Jets despite his injury.
The performance-based pay system is designed to reward players for their playtime and performance, but injuries and lack of playing time can greatly impact the amount earned. While $81.14 may seem insignificant to someone as wealthy as Rodgers, he is surely hoping for a healthier and more successful season in the future.
Fans reacted as follows.
Performance based?
Oh when they carted him off the field in 4 snaps okay right.
He should’ve won an Oscar as well for best actor
— 🔥GOAT🔥 (@GlobalGoat9) April 2, 2024
I really,really hope the Jets suck this year, after all this crap they are doing.
— DeBe (@DenB222) April 2, 2024
Why did he get anything?
— Troy Appel (@tdappel) April 2, 2024
He should have had to give money back for his lack of performance.
— Jeff Storey (@JeffStorey4872) April 2, 2024
When your entire “performance” was spewing nonsense and lies on a talk show, 🤣🤣🤣
— sunnymujnoon (@giajaina) April 2, 2024
Based upon his performance he should give them a refund.
— pragmatist2598 (@pragmatist2598) April 2, 2024
It is $81.14 too much.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) April 2, 2024
My intern's bonus is bigger than that
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 2, 2024
Crazy that performance based play still gives him above his salary for playing 4 snaps.
— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) April 2, 2024
It would be hilarious if you could be charged by the performance-based system
— Jakob Ashlin (@JakobAshlin) April 2, 2024
This is how Sports athletes should be Paid.. All incentive n Performance based!
— playboyx (@playbooyx) April 2, 2024
"Despite playing only 0.33% of snaps due to a torn Achilles, Aaron Rodgers earned just $81.14 through the NFL's performance-based pay system last season, the lowest among all players. Talk about a tough break."
— Mrs Babar (@MainMaham) April 2, 2024
