Why Aaron Rodgers’s Incentives Could Cost Him More Than Just Money

When Aaron Rodgers inked that one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers this past weekend, it wasn’t just another signing—it was a masterstroke for Pittsburgh. Now, sure, the headline figure looks solid, but the real kicker lies in the juicy $5.85 million incentive package lurking beneath the surface—a gamble that could turn this deal from good to downright legendary. But here’s the catch: the Steelers need to hoist the Lombardy Trophy for Rodgers to hit those top dollar bonuses. I’m talking playoff snaps, deep runs, maybe even a Super Bowl parade. It’s a steep climb, no doubt, and Albert Bree over at SI.com has unraveled the specifics that paint a picture of what Rodgers needs to deliver on the field for that payday. If he only scratches 70 percent of offensive snaps, the bonus train leaves the station—starting modestly with playoff appearances, ramping up to the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl win and an MVP accolade that could push the payout to unprecedented heights. Of course, the odds aren’t exactly favoring a clean sweep of all incentives—but hey, even if Rodgers leads the Steelers to the AFC Championship while meeting his playtime marks, that’s a deal any GM would salivate over. Imagine, a veteran QB contract that pays out big only if the team excels—talk about getting your money’s worth and then some. That’s strategic brilliance in action—both on the contract and on the field. LEARN MORE

But, yes, paying out .5 million would be perhaps the best veteran quarterback contract ever signed by a team, because it will mean that the Steelers received the services of the league’s MVP — and more importantly that they won the Super Bowl.If they earn a first-round bye or if they win in the wild-card round with Rodgers taking at least half of the snaps: 0,000.The most realistically optimistic outcome seems to be getting to the AFC Championship and meeting the various play-time incentives and earning another .85 million.If Rodgers wins the regular-season MVP award: .5 million.To get there, the Steelers have to win the Super Bowl.

If they win the Super Bowl and Rodgers takes at least half of the snaps: .5 million.Albert Bree of SI.com has the details.The one-year, .65 million deal signed over the weekend by quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a great deal for the Steelers. And if Rodgers cashes in on the full .85 million incentive package, it will have been an incredible deal.If they win in the divisional round and Rodgers takes at least half of the snaps: 0,000.Even getting to the Super Bowl feels like a stretch. And that’s another million.To be eligible for any of the payments, Rodgers must participate in 70 percent of the offensive snaps in the regular season. If that is threshold is satisfied, here’s what he’ll get:More than half of the incentives — million — are tied to winning the Super Bowl and Rodgers becoming the league MVP. That seems unlikely, to put it mildly.If they win the AFC Championship and Rodgers takes at least half of the snaps: million.If the Steelers make the playoffs: 0,000.