The NFL announced the top earners for performance-based pay during the 2019 season today. The Panthers had two players make the list. Backup quarterback Kyle Allen came in at No. 5, earning $393,378 on top of his normal salary. Rookie offensive lineman Dennis Daley also made the cut, earning an extra $306,889, ranking No. 24.
Here’s a look at the complete top 25 list, per Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.
This compensates players based on playing time and salary levels, usually benefiting late-round picks and undrafted free agents who wind up playing a lot of snaps the most.
That applies to both Allen (UDFA) and Daley (a sixth-rounder).
With Cam Newton missing all but two games due to a foot injury, Allen effectively became Carolina’s new QB1. In 12 starts, Allen went 5-7, bottoming out after a promising start due to turnovers and mental mistakes. He was benched the last two games of the year in favor of third-round draft pick Will Grier. Earlier this week, the team signed Allen (an exclusive rights free agent) to a one-year extension.
It was a similar story for Daley, who got called up from the bench due to an ineffective turn for Daryl Williams at left tackle, followed by multiple injuries (two concussions, one high ankle sprain) to second-round draft pick Greg Little. Daley is still a bit raw but he also had his moments in 14 games, including nine starts. His best path to playing time in 2020 is most likely going to be filling in at either of the guard spots. Both will probably be open with Trai Turner on his way to the Chargers and Greg Van Roten a pending free agent.
