For Trevor Siemian, it pays to win.
In March 2019, Siemian signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Jets to back up Sam Darnold. With Darnold being diagnosed with mononucleosis, Siemian will now slide into the starting role.
The Jets’ new quarterback of the foreseeable future has an interesting clause in his contract, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Siemian gets a $31,250 bonus for each game in which he plays at least 50 percent of the offensive snaps and the Jets win. Even if he plays the whole game, if the Jets lose, he doesn’t get the incentive.
It’s hard to see Siemian not playing at least 50 percent of the Jets offensive snaps unless he goes down injured. The Jets will elevate Luke Falk from the practice squad to the active roster before Monday’s game, but there’s no reason to believe that Falk will play unless dire circumstances call for it.
As the new man under center, the Jets have shifted their confidence to Siemain as injuries and controversies follow New York like a bad stench. Winning means that Siemian will be $31,250 richer every time he leads the Jets to victory in Darnold’s absence.
It’s not like Siemian isn’t capable of doing so. He went 13-11 in his career as a starter for the Denver Broncos from 2016-17. While the Jets are being counted out, Siemian gives them a chance to win and he has an added incentive to do so.
