Believe it or not, quarterback Aaron Rodgers made more money in 2023 than he was originally expected to with the Jets.
Rodgers tore his Achilles after just four regular-season snaps this past season and missed the whole year with the injury. However, thanks to the NFL's Performance-Based Pay program, Rodgers made an additional $81.14 because he saw game action.
No, that's not a typo. Rodgers earned the least amount of money through the program, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, which the NFL implemented in 2002 as a supplemental form of player compensation. This fund gives a bonus to players who see more playtime action relative to their salary from a club's Performance-Based Pay pool. Here's a full breakdown from the NFL.
Coincidentally, a current Jets player earned the most bonus money through this program. Offensive guard John Simpson, who signed a two-year, $12 million with the Jets this offseason after a year with the Ravens, received an additional $974,613 from the NFL — almost double what Baltimore paid him on a one-year deal in 2023.
Jets safety Tony Adams, a 2022 undrafted free agent, earned the 16th-most money at $777,965.
Rodgers, meanwhile, made a $1.838 million base salary in 2023 — or nearly $460,000 per snap.
Rodgers' impending return in 2024
The Jets hope Rodgers will earn a little more money this year from the PBP pool than he did this past season. If that happens, it'll mean Rodgers saw more than four snaps in the season. Rodgers hinted at a return to the field all year if New York was in playoff contention before ultimately admitting he wouldn't suit up until 2024.
New York needs Rodgers more than ever now after another horrific season under center for Zach Wilson. The Jets signed former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to give Rodgers another weapon on offense and attempted to upgrade the offensive line with the additions of Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and the aforementioned Simpson.
They also have the No. 10 overall pick — a selection the team could use to move up or down the draft as well as draft another skill position player or another offensive lineman.
