Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney earned a significant bonus of $750,000 after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, bringing his season sack total to 9.5. This achievement triggered an incentive in his contract, increasing his bonus from $1 million to $1.75 million. Clowney's celebration was shared by teammates and fans, despite the Ravens' loss to the Steelers, which kept Pittsburgh's playoff hopes alive. The game also saw Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt exit with a knee injury.
As the NFL regular season wraps up in Week 18, fantasy football players should note potential impacts due to player contract incentives and injuries. Baker Mayfield, despite a rib injury, is expected to play aggressively to meet contract incentives, targeting Mike Evans against the Panthers. Trevor Lawrence will play cautiously due to health concerns, likely leading to a quick-pass game plan for the Jaguars. DeVonta Smith's knee injury may sideline him, elevating Julio Jones' role for the Eagles. The Packers' offense may rely on lesser-known receivers if Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are out, while the Bears' running back situation is uncertain with Khalil Herbert's status in question. Devin Singletary is predicted to have a strong performance against the Colts as he pursues a rushing yardage contract incentive.
Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco is on a winning streak, securing four consecutive games with over 300 passing yards and earning financial bonuses for each victory due to his contract's incentive structure. With the Browns heading into the playoffs, Flacco stands to gain even more, with potential bonuses totaling up to $2 million if the team wins the Super Bowl. His performance has been a key factor in the Browns' success after stepping in for injured QB Deshaun Watson.
Joe Flacco, along with other NFL players, stands to earn significant performance bonuses as the regular season concludes and the playoffs approach. Flacco, who joined the Cleveland Browns mid-season, has already secured $225,000 for three wins and could earn up to $4.05 million if the Browns win the Super Bowl. Other players with notable incentives include Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans, each with various benchmarks that could yield substantial financial rewards. These incentives are not only a testament to the players' skills but also a strategic component of NFL contracts, incentivizing individual and team success.
