Tag: incentives

Bo Nix and Sean Payton can help Courtland Sutton hit some big incentives

Courtland Sutton needs 219 receiving yards and the Broncos to finish the year averaging more than 21 points per game to get an extra $1.5M.

After skipping the voluntary portion of the Denver Broncos‘ offseason program in protest of his contract this spring, wide receiver Courtland Sutton was given an extra $1.5 million worth of incentives.

That veteran receiver is now close to cashing in.

Sutton’s contract includes a $500,000 incentive for 500 receiving yards + Denver scoring more points than in 2023, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. He’s already passed 500 yards — now the offense needs to average more than 21.0 points per game (they’re currently at 23.5).

There’s another $500,000 incentive for 750 receiving yards and the team’s points improving. Sutton’s already at 846 yards this fall. The final $500,000 will be paid if Sutton hits 1,065 receiving yards.

Sutton is currently on pace for a 1,106-yard season. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix can help the receiver out by continuing to feed him down the stretch. Denver coach Sean Payton also needs his offense to continue averaging more than 21 points per game in order for Sutton to max out his incentives.

The Broncos, of course, will prioritize winning. Fortunately for Sutton, the receiver’s success has overlapped with the team’s success. If the offense continues at its current pace, Sutton will earn an extra $1.5 million this fall.

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Courtland Sutton is making Broncos history and getting close to big incentives

Courtland Sutton was the third-fastest Bronco to reach 5,000 career receiving yards, and he’s now closing in on some big incentives.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton continues to climb the team’s all-time receiving list.

Following his eight-catch, 97-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sutton became the fifth player in franchise history to post at least 50 receptions and 700 receiving yards in five separate seasons. Sutton has also surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards in 93 games, making him the third-fastest Bronco to reach that milestone.

Sutton’s 355 career receptions rank ninth on the team’s all-time list and his 5,003 receiving yards rank 11th. He needs 358 yards over the last five games to pass Emmanuel Sanders for 10th place on Denver’s all-time list.

Sutton’s productive season could pay dividends after the Broncos added $1.5 million worth of incentives to his contract this summer.

Sutton’s contract includes a $500,000 incentive for 500 receiving yards + Denver scoring more points than in 2023, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. He’s already passed 500 yards — now the offense needs to average more than 21.0 points per game (they’re currently at 22.0).

There’s another $500,000 incentive for 750 receiving yards and the team’s points improving. Sutton’s just six yards away from that total.

Finally, Sutton could receive another $500,000 if he reaches 1,065 receiving yards. He’s currently on pace for a 1,054-yard season. If he’s close going into the team’s regular season finale, Sutton will likely be given an opportunity to hit that mark.

Suton ranks 13th in receptions (57), ninth in receiving yards (744) and 13th in touchdowns (five) in the NFL this season. He’s making a case for the Pro Bowl in his seventh season with the Broncos.

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Here’s how much Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu can earn in incentives in 2023

A quick breakdown on the money that #Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu can earn via incentives during the 2023 NFL season.

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Back in March, the Kansas City Chiefs added former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Charles Omenihu on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million. We later learned that the “up to” in his contract included $4 million in incentives, leaving him with a two-year contract worth $16 million at its base value.

The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov recently did a deep dive into the money that players around the NFL can earn via incentives in the 2023 NFL season. Omenihu’s package of incentives in 2023 and 2024 both include the following structure with up to $2 million in total incentives each year.

  • If Omenihu plays 65% of the defensive snaps in 2023, he’ll receive $500K in incentives.
  • If Omenihu plays 65% of the defensive snaps in 2023 AND the team reaches the playoffs, he’ll receive $1M in incentives.
  • If Omenihu plays 65% of the defensive snaps in 2023 AND the team reaches the AFC Championship Game, he’ll receive $1.5M in incentives.
  • If Omenihu plays 65% of the defensive snaps in 2023 AND the team wins the Super Bowl, he’ll receive $2M in incentives.

The playoff-related incentives are a good bet given the team’s recent history. Omenihu is certainly confident in his ability to carve out a large role on defense in Kansas City. Last season, Chris Jones was the only defensive lineman for the Chiefs to play more than 65% of the team’s defensive snaps (just under 80%). Omenihu has never played more than 54% of a team’s defensive snaps in a given season in the NFL.

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Keisean Nixon’s contract with Packers includes $2M in available incentives in 2023

An additional $2 million in incentives is available to Keisean Nixon based on playing time and performance in 2023.

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The one-year, $4 million deal signed by Keisean Nixon with the Green Bay Packers includes an additional $2 million in play time and performance incentives in 2023, meaning Nixon could earn up to $6 million this season.

According to The 33rd Team, Nixon’s deal includes eight different benchmarks, all worth $250,000, adding up to $2 million.

Nixon can earn $250,000 for playing 45 percent of the defense’s snaps, $250,000 for playing 50 percent of the defense’s snaps, $250,000 for playing 55 percent of the defense’s snaps, $250,000 for intercepting two passes, $250,000 for intercepting three passes, $250,000 for intercepting four of more passes, $250,000 for making the initial Pro Bowl team and $250,000 for making first-team or second-team All-Pro.

To clarify, if Nixon plays 55 percent of the defense’s snaps, intercepts four passes, makes the initial Pro Bowl team and is named an All-Pro, he’ll collect the full $2 million in incentives.

Last season, Nixon played 28 percent of the defense’s snaps, intercepted one pass and was named a first-team All-Pro kick returner.

The Packers are expecting Nixon to open the season as the nickel cornerback, providing an opportunity for him to hit the play-time incentives. Nixon has only one career interception and he’s never made the Pro Bowl.

Of the incentives, $250,000 is counted on this year’s cap as “Likely to Be Earned” based on him making an All-Pro team last year.

Nixon’s deal included $1.85 million in guaranteed money in the form of a signing bonus. Another $300,000 is available in workout bonuses based on participation during the offseason workout program. Four void years were added on to help spread out the cap hits between 2023 and 2024. The deal voids on Feb. 20, 2024.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes earned $1.25 million contract incentive with MVP win

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes brought home a $1.25 million contract incentive with his 2022 NFL MVP win.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes earned the AP MVP Award for the 2022 NFL season at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night. It was his second career MVP win and comes just ahead of the team’s Super Bowl LVII matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

As a result of winning the award, Mahomes also earned a hefty contract incentive. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Mahomes earns an extra $1.25 million for earning the NFL’s MVP honors in 2022. It might seem like chump change for a guy who signed a contract worth $500 million a few years ago, but as far as incentives go, it’s a pretty sizable incentive.

It’s certainly a nice bonus to earn a few days prior to playing in the Super Bowl. He’ll even have a chance to earn more contract incentives should he earn the Super Bowl LVII MVP award, which would mark his second career Super Bowl MVP win.

This incentive is considered Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE), which means that it won’t count against this season’s salary cap and that the team will have to account for the money down the road.

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Pair of Chiefs players can earn contract incentives with Super Bowl LVII win

#Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and DT Brandon Williams can earn some nice contract incentives during #SuperBowlLVII.

A pair of Kansas City Chiefs players have some money on the line against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. Winning is all that matters for these two teams, but a pair of Chiefs players have contract incentives that can sweeten the deal should Kansas City bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, both WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and DT Brandon Williams can earn some extra cash in Super Bowl LVII. For Williams, all he needs to do is be active in the game and see his team emerge victorious in order to earn an extra $50K. For Smith-Schuster, he’ll need to play at least 50% of the offensive snaps along with helping the Chiefs to victory to earn an extra $1 million.

Smith-Schuster’s incentives should come as no surprise given the incentive-laden contract he was given when he signed a one-year deal with the team back in March of 2022. It’s not a given that Smith-Schuster hits the 50% playtime qualifier needed given the fact that he’s on the injury report with a knee injury. At the same time, in the seven weeks prior to the AFC title game where he left with his knee injury, Smith-Schuster played over 50% of the snaps.

As for Williams, he’s been active for every game since he was promoted to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. So long as Kansas City wins the game, he should earn his incentive.

Both of these incentives are considered NLTBE (Not Likely To Be Earned). That means they won’t count toward the team’s salary cap for the 2022 NFL season and would instead be paid down the line.

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It’s early, but Jarvis Landry looks like exactly what Saints missed at wide receiver

It’s early, but Jarvis Landry looks like exactly what the Saints have been missing at wide receiver: a consistent playmaker with real NFL experience

The Jarvis Landry signing was met with a lot of fanfare, but it’s important to set the homer goggles aside and appreciate the proud LSU Tigers alum for what he is: a reliable veteran with five Pro Bowl nods behind him. And while it’s too early to say anything too bold and outrageous, he’s looking like exactly what the New Orleans Saints were missing with Michael Thomas out of commission last year. Which makes the idea of them teaming up together even more appealing.

Landry has been a popular target for the Saints quarterbacks in minicamp practices, doing as much damage underneath coverage as further downfield. Sure-handed and physical at the catch point, he’s been a tough assignment for anyone to defend. Things will change once players put on their pads and start hitting in live contact, but this early success is encouraging to see. What’s also gratifying to see is Landry offering pointers to younger teammates like Deonte Harty. That’s something he’s done for years — NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill noted that Landry shared feedback with Thomas when the latter was a fiery high school recruit.

This is what he Saints have been missing while Thomas was on the mend: an experienced playmaker who can take charge of the receiving corps. Last year’s receiving leaders (Marquez Callaway, Harty, and Tre’Quan Smith) didn’t have the benefit of extensive starting reps, and the older players in the unit (Ty Montgomery, Kenny Stills, Chris Hogan, and Kevin White) didn’t do much to consistently threaten opposing defenses. Landry brings both traits as a leader and a trustworthy weapon to the table.

And it’s in his interest to make the most of this opportunity. Having signed a one-year deal with the Saints paying out just $3 million, Landry can double his money through incentives written into his contract. Catching 55 passes earns a $250,000 bonus, which can be outdone through a $500,000 incentive for 65 receptions, but a full $1 million gets uncorked should he total 75 catches. Another $500,000 can be earned with 5 touchdown receptions, as well as by playing 48.5% or more of the team’s snaps on offense.

Additionally, Landry can win $500,000 more should he snag 60 receptions (or more) while the Saints secure a playoff berth. A trip to the postseason while he reaches 607 receiving yards brings in $500,000 more. If Landry can meet all of those incentives, he’ll double his money and total $3 million through incentives.

In summary: to max out his incentives Landry would need to log 75 or more receptions for 607 or more receiving yards, scoring 5 or more touchdown catches, while playing 48.5% of snaps, should New Orleans get back into the postseason. That would make everyone happy, Landry especially given he’s playing on a one-year deal with greener pastures ahead in 2023 free agency.

Not to pour cold water over everything, but it’s going to take a lot more than some acrobatic — and unguarded — catches in June for Landry to go the distance. He’ll need to continue to develop chemistry with his teammates and find his niche in the passing game next to Thomas and first-round rookie Chris Olave. But it’s tough to not feel encouraged by how well things have started off. Let’s be mindful of how early it is, but so far Landry’s NFL homecoming has been as-advertised. A lot is riding on whether his next act can keep up the pace.

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Going under the hood of Marcus Maye’s new contract with the Saints

Going under the hood of Marcus Maye’s new contract with the Saints, via @DillySanders:

Free agency kicked off for the New Orleans Saints with an agreement on a three-year contract with former New York Jets safety Marcus Maye, and it’s as interesting as most other contracts the team has handed out. They had to structure it interestingly to account for their need for extra cap space in 2022. Let’s take a look how the money is spread out:

Packers OLB Preston Smith earns $500K bonus for sixth sack of 2021

With two sacks on Sunday night, Packers OLB Preston Smith started earning his sack incentives in his restructured contract.

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith delivered a game-turning play and earned a half-million bucks in the process.

Smith’s strip-sack of Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields in the third quarter on Sunday night not only set up the Packers for a quick touchdown, but the quarterback takedown represented his sixth sack of the season, and the number six is pretty valuable to veteran edge rusher in 2021.

When Smith and the Packers restructured his contract this past offseason, the two sides put in incentives for reaching certain numbers of sacks. The first bonus arrived for Smith at sack No. 6. It’s worth $500,000.

He tallied another sack later in the game, giving him seven on the season. If he gets to eight sacks, he’ll collect another $750,000.

The full list of the incentives, worth $4.4 million in total:

– $500,000 for six sacks
– $750,000 for eight sacks
– $750,000 for 10 sacks
– $1,200,000 for 12 sacks
– $1,200,000 for 14 sacks

Smith has four more games to record seven more sacks and collect all the bonuses. His career-high in sacks is 12.0, set in 2019 with the Packers.

Getting to 10 or more sacks doesn’t seem out of the equation if he continues playing this well. Over the last four games, Smith has tallied five sacks and 29 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

His bounce-back season has been impressive. After delivering only 29 pressures, four sacks and 11 quarterback hits over 16 games last season, Smith has 47 pressures, seven sacks and 13 quarterback hits in 12 games.

The Packers will have a decision to make on Smith following the 2021 season. His cap hit balloons to $19,750,000 in 2022, the final year of his deal in Green Bay.

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Newly-acquired Saints RB Mark Ingram has achievable contract incentives

Newly-acquired Saints RB Mark Ingram has achievable contract incentives

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More good news is rolling for Mark Ingram. The New Orleans Saints picked up the running back in a midweek trade with the Houston Texans, which puts him in a great position to earn some lucrative contract incentives — while trade terms haven’t yet been announced, Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday morning that there is “absolutely, absolutely” a “high chance” Ingram will play in Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Still, let’s assume everyone dots their I’s and crosses their T’s to get this trade finalized promptly. As part of the contract he signed with Houston (which now moves onto New Orleans’ books) Ingram can cash in $250,000 if he runs for 750 rushing yards this season. He’ll receive another $250,000 if he hits 1,000 yards on the ground. Ingram also has a $29,411 weekly bonus for making the active roster on game days.

He’s already up to 294 yards through seven games with the Texans, and because the Saints have already had their bye week he’ll have 11 games to do so in New Orleans. That comes up to a per-game average of 41.5 rushing yards per game to earn the first $250,000 incentive. For context, Ingram has met that number every year he’s played in the NFL except for 2012, 2013, and 2020 (when the Ravens’ loaded depth chart often kept him sidelined).

Pushing the envelope further to 1,000 will be more challenging. Ingram will need to average 64.2 rushing yards per game the rest of the year with the Saints in order to accomplish that, something he’s done before five times (most recently in 2019). Splitting carries with Alvin Kamara might make it tough for him to get enough opportunities at this stage in his career, but it’s worth noting Ingram averaged 63.2 rushing yards per game next to Kamara from 2017 to 2018.

He may not be looking forward to playing without a bye week — Houston isn’t off until Week 10 — but easing off a full workload as a team’s No. 1 runner, with the prospect of another $250,000 or two in his pocket, has to help make it easier to accept. To say nothing of getting out of a toxic situation in Houston while returning to a friendly locker room.

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