Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Brock Purdy had significantly different 2023 seasons, and not just in terms of availability and team succcess.
It turns out that the signal-callers were also, unsurprisingly, extreme opposites when it comes to money they earned through the NFL's performance-based pay system.
49ers QB Brock Purdy’s 2023 salary was $870K. He nearly doubled it with the $739,795 he earned through the NFL’s performance-based pay system.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2024
All money earned through Performance Based Pay does not affect a team’s salary cap. pic.twitter.com/E3XZ35VK5A
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers earned $81.14 through the NFL’s performance-based pay system, the lowest amount among all NFL players last season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2024
The system rewards all NFL players based on their play time and base salary. If a player has a low base salary but plays a significant number… pic.twitter.com/dldDmr338f
Rodgers was acquired in a trade with the Packers last April but suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, just four plays into his Jets career.
Expectations were high for Purdy following his magical run at the end of the 2022 season that earned him the new nickname of "Mr. Relevant." Most football fans, however, couldn't have seen his 2023 Pro Bowl campaign coming.
The Iowa State product led the NFL in passer rating (113.0) and yards gained per pass attempt (9.6), among other categories. Purdy also finished third in touchdown passes (31) and fifth in passing yards (4,280) while tossing just 11 interceptions across 16 games.
The 24-year-old helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl LVIII berth against the Kansas City Chiefs and ended the playoffs with a 61.1 completion percentage for 774 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception and an 88.3 passer rating.
Just one year after suffering a UCL tear in his right elbow during the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles, Purdy not only led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance but finished sixth in the AP Comeback Player of the Year voting as well.
He was sixth in the AP Offensive Player of the Year voting and was in the MVP conversation for much of the campaign, ultimately finishing in fourth place.
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