NFL Announces $542M in Performance-Based Contract Distributions, Top Earners from 2025 Revealed

The NFL's performance-based pay program is working wonders for players who are exceeding expectations.

The league announced on Monday that over $542 million will be given to NFL players in performance-based pay following the 2025 season. Cornerback Nahshon Wright ($1.4 million), safety Ronnie Hickman ($1.3 million) and offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson ($1.3 million) topped the list of earners:

This year's total amount given out in performance-based pay is nearly $100 million higher than last season, as the league announced that players made over $452 million in performance bonuses for the 2024 campaign.

The NFL's performance-based pay program has been in place under the Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2002 to compensate players based on their playing time and salary levels.

Wright, who played for the Chicago Bears last season and signed with the New York Jets this month, was named to his first Pro Bowl after his breakout season in the Windy City. He had made $1.1 million from the Bears, so his performance-based bonus more than doubles his 2025 salary.

Performance bonuses have been a good way to incentivize players to bring their best each week, so they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.