Auburn Linebacker Tops NFL’s Performance-Based Pay Rankings for 2024 Season
The NFL has released its performance-based pay results for the 2024 season, presenting an excellent opportunity for players with lower salaries to earn a well-deserved extra payday based on their performance throughout the year.
This program is structured to reward “player compensation based upon a comparison of playing time to salary,” as outlined by the NFL.
It provides younger players who see significant playing time early in their careers with an additional financial incentive, leveling the playing field for those on rookie or lower-value contracts.
The system, implemented as part of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, benefits all players but primarily supports those still building their financial footing in the league.
Leading the rankings for the 2024 season is standout linebacker Jamien Sherwood, a New York Jets and Auburn Tigers alum. Sherwood earned a remarkable $1,092,206 in performance-based pay—an impressive accomplishment that speaks volumes about his impact on the field.
This bonus comes just days after Sherwood secured a three-year, $45 million contract extension, which includes $30 million guaranteed.
It’s a fitting reward for a breakout season in which Sherwood tallied 158 total tackles—third in the NFL—along with two sacks. Drafted by the Jets in 2021, he has steadily grown into a key defensive asset, with this past season solidifying his reputation as a dominant force.
As Sherwood heads into the first year of his new contract, he’ll earn $5 million in base salary, supplemented by a $12.5 million signing bonus—setting the stage for a pivotal season with the Jets.
