After crunching the data, the NFL has determined that a few players who outperformed their wages are eligible for some big incentives.
Among them is 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy’s total income for 2023 increased from $889,253 to $1.629 million thanks in part to a year that saw him receive his first Pro Bowl selection and make his first Super Bowl appearance. Purdy received an additional $739,795 under the program.
Purdy’s base salary is expected to surpass $1 million in 2024. Since the 49ers’ performance-based pay scheme is predicated on a wage to playing time ratio, it is probable that Purdy, the team’s newly-anointed franchise quarterback, will receive additional compensation beyond the terms of his rookie contract.
Purdy, the last choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, has already surpassed his contract at a remarkable clip. Purdy’s compensation will soar when he finally signs an extension, but for now, the performance-based pay supplementation—in which he placed 24th out of all players—is a welcome addition to his earnings.
The player that received the highest salary as a result of the league’s yearly performance-based pay program was guard John Simpson. Simpson, a fourth-round selection in 2020, will earn $974,613, almost twice as much as he did in 2023.
After playing for the Ravens for one season, Simpson signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Jets, cashing in on his increasing value.
The top 25 also featured some well-known players: Dolphins corner Kader Kohou ($878,167), Chiefs guard Trey Smith ($865,484), Seahawks corner Tariq Woolen ($839,154), Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard ($777,092), Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland ($759,756), and Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (No. 2 at $923,059).
