Not all players are vying for a playoff spot in Week 18, but there are several notable names aiming for lucrative contract incentives. Below is a rundown of who needs to achieve what to earn their bonuses. All information sourced from Spotrac and ESPN.
LB Von Miller, Buffalo Bills, and Others Pursuing Sacks
Miller secured an early sack against the Patriots, bringing his season total to six and securing a $1.5 million bonus. Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy earned $250,000 by recording his 12th sack against the Browns on Saturday. Other players eyeing significant bonuses with a sack in Week 18 include Dolphins DE Emmanuel Ogbah and Titans LB Arden Key, who can each earn a $500,000 bonus with 1.5 sacks. Miami LB Tyrel Dodson and DE Calais Campbell are in line for a $300,000 bonus with one sack. Chargers LB Bud Dupree and Commanders DE Dorance Armstrong stand to receive $250,000 with one additional sack each. Lions DE Za’Darius Smith could pocket the same amount with two sacks. Jets DT Javon Kinlaw, Titans LB Kenneth Murray, and Vikings LB Blake Cashman can each earn the same bonus with a half-sack, while Commanders DE Dante Fowler Jr. is looking at a $375,000 bonus.
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield has five contract incentives worth $500,000 each for finishing the season in the top 10 in the league or top five in the NFC in categories such as passer rating, touchdown passes, passing yards, completion percentage, or yards per pass attempt. Through 16 games, he is set to earn all five incentives, sitting fourth in passer rating, tied for second in touchdown passes, second in passing yards, second in completion percentage, and tied for fifth in yards per pass attempt.
QB Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Smith is poised for substantial payouts if he surpasses his career highs by the end of the 2024 season. He stands to earn $2 million for exceeding his career bests in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion percentage, passer rating, and achieving either 10 wins or a playoff berth. If he hits all five marks, he could earn an extra $5 million. Smith has a shot at earning $6 million with three incentives in play for the final game, needing 186 passing yards to surpass his career high, one more win for 10 on the season, and maintaining his completion percentage above his career mark.
WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans is aiming to secure a $666,000 incentive by remaining in the top 10 for receiving touchdowns. Currently tied for third with 11 touchdowns, Evans is likely to maintain his position even without a touchdown in Week 18. Falling short in receiving yards and catches, he is positioned 26th in receiving yards and 35th in catches.
WR Courtland Sutton, Denver
Tennessee Titans Running back Pollard has faced challenges due to injuries, hindering his chances to hit performance incentives. Despite teammate Tyjae Spears’ emergence, Pollard still has a shot at earning additional money with a strong Week 18 performance. Meanwhile, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins of the Kansas City Chiefs faces an uphill battle to meet his incentives, but a boost from backup QB Carson Wentz could help him secure the extra cash. On the other hand, running back Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens has already met several milestones, securing significant bonuses. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrated hitting a sack milestone with a well-deserved incentive. Tight end Mike Gesicki of the Cincinnati Bengals earned his incentive with a crucial reception, while running back Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles has already banked some incentives based on his season performance. Lastly, tight end Zach Ertz of the Washington Commanders had a standout game, meeting multiple incentives and earning a substantial bonus.
But he wouldn’t have done it without overtime, during which Ertz snagged three passes for 16 yards and a touchdown.
