Week 17 of the 2024 NFL regular season began with two games on Christmas Day. While the Detroit Lions have their eyes on major team goals, such as securing the No. 1 playoff seed and winning the Super Bowl, they are also mindful of individual players’ contract bonuses as the season nears its end.
In the final game of last season, Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds had his catches prioritized in an effort to help him earn a $250,000 contract bonus by reaching 600 receiving yards. Reynolds had only one catch for 18 yards up until the final drive of the game, but a clutch performance of four catches for 26 yards pushed him to 608 yards for the season, securing the bonus.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell explained the decision to ensure Reynolds hit that milestone, emphasizing how important it was to reward the receiver’s unselfish contributions. “That player does all the dirty work, from blocking to run game contributions, and we’re going to do whatever we can to make sure he gets something,” Campbell stated. “That’s our mindset.”
Currently, two Lions players are in line for substantial bonuses as the season wraps up. Defensive end Za’Darius Smith needs just two more sacks to earn an additional $250,000. If he can record four more sacks, his bonus would increase to $500,000. Additionally, if Smith reaches any of his sack goals, he’ll also receive an extra $250,000 if the Lions secure a playoff berth.
Quarterback Jared Goff has a clearer incentive in his contract. Should the Lions win the Super Bowl and Goff plays at least 50% of the offensive snaps, his base salary for 2028 will increase by $1 million. According to Spotrac, Goff can also earn a $1 million bonus for each MVP award he receives, or if the Lions achieve the Super Bowl victory bonus.
