The conclusion of the NFL regular season often brings a focus on contract incentives, with players striving to meet performance benchmarks that trigger lucrative bonuses. This year was no different, with several players reaching significant payday milestones, while others narrowly missed out. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones clarified that Cooper Rush's $250,000 contract incentive was not the reason Trey Lance started at quarterback. Meanwhile, New York Jets guard John Simpson secured a $3 million bonus by playing over 90% of the team's offensive snaps.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki started the game needing just three more receiving yards to reach 600 for the season, which would have earned him an additional $125,000. On the opening play, he received a 12-yard pass, comfortably hitting his target. Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins needed a couple of carries in the fourth quarter of the finale to reach his incentive. Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton faced contract negotiation challenges but managed to earn a $500,000 bonus after a stellar performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans was on track for a $250,000 bonus contingent on reaching 1,110 rushing yards. Although Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller had already hit his mark of 1,065 yards to receive a bonus, his teammates encouraged him to keep pushing.
"But everybody, my teammates, were saying, 'Just get one.'" — Von Miller
Miller only played one more defensive snap for the remainder of the game as the Bills rested key players for their upcoming playoff run. His season total of 1,081 yards confirmed his bonus eligibility.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith reached impressive milestones this season. With Seattle achieving 10 wins and Smith surpassing 4,282 passing yards with a completion percentage over 69.75%, he is on track to add $6 million to his $10 million roster bonus in 2025. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans tied NFL legend Jerry Rice by completing his 11th consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
For some players like Courtland Sutton, the journey to meeting incentives proved to be a motivational yet challenging task. Sutton revealed the difficulties faced during contract negotiations and how it motivated his on-field performance.
"That was a big topic of conversation this weekend," — Courtland Sutton
Despite the hurdles, Sutton's focus was clear: securing a victory was paramount.
"I'm not going to downplay it, it's nice." — Courtland Sutton
"However, the biggest thing for me was we needed to win this game. That was the most important thing to me. All week, that was the mindset, that was the motto for myself, our receiver room, our offense, our team: We have to win this game." — Courtland Sutton
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also highlighted Mike Gesicki's value to the team.
"That guy was so valuable for us all year," — Joe Burrow
"And a guy, in my opinion, we need to bring back." — Joe Burrow
Burrow's comments reflect the high regard in which Gesicki is held by his teammates and coaches alike.
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