Aaron Rodgers already has a desire to lock the Pittsburgh Steelers into the playoffs and pursue another Lombardi Trophy. Yet, nearly $6 million in possible bonuses will serve as a nice incentive.
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Rodgers landed with the Steelers on a one-year, $13,650,000 contract that included a $10 million signing bonus and a base salary of $3.65 million. According to Spotrac, this contract also includes millions of dollars in bonuses if he and the team reach specific milestones.
The first milestone is simply making the playoffs, which would secure $500,000. The Steelers have a 9-6 record and the lead in the AFC North. They have not yet clinched a spot but can do so over the final two weeks of the season as they face the Browns and Ravens.
If the Steelers make the playoffs, Rodgers can then pursue the rest of the possible bonuses. Scoring a wild card round win would lock up $600,000. He could then add another $750,000 by winning a divisional round game.
The amounts increase the deeper the Steelers go in this scenario. Winning the AFC Championship would lock up $1 million. Winning the Super Bowl for the second time would secure $1.5 million.
The final piece of this $5.85 million puzzle is an annual award. If Rodgers wins league MVP for the fifth time, he will earn another $1.5 million.
Obviously, a lot has to go right for the Steelers and Rodgers for the veteran quarterback to earn even more money, but this creates an interesting situation to track as he continues building his Hall of Fame resume.
Other incentive-based bonuses on the table
- Bills defender Joey Bosa has five sacks this season. If he earns one more, he secures an extra $250,000.
- Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs needs to catch four more passes to earn $500,000, and he needs 131 yards to lock up an additional $500,000. He has already secured $500,000 this season by virtue of receptions. He has 76 entering Week 17.
- Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold can add another $2.5 million by hitting multiple milestones. He needs a passer rating above 100.0 ($500,000), 28 pass touchdowns ($500,000), 4,000 passing yards ($500,000), 67.5% completion ($500,000), 70% playing time and a top-10 offense ($500,000).
- Darnold's potential bonuses also include postseason performance. He can earn $1 million for a divisional win, $1.5 million for an NFC Championship win, and $2.5 million for a Super Bowl win. He already locked up $500,000 for reaching the playoffs.
- Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has already secured $1.75 million in bonuses. He can earn an additional $1 million for another 70 scrimmage yards and an additional $250,000 for another touchdown.
- Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield can earn another $1 million by finishing top 10 in the NFL (or top five in the NFC) in touchdown passes and passing yards.
- Mayfield can also earn $500,000 for a wild card win, $1.25 million for a divisional round win, $1.75 million for an NFC Championship win, and $2.5 million for a Super Bowl win.
