The New Orleans Saints are hours away from closing out the 2019 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, but there’s more on the line for some players than others. Performance-based contract incentives are on the line, and multiple Saints could cash an extra check or two. Others have already missed out on potential cash-ins (like Demario Davis, who was undercut by a badly-designed Pro Bowl ballot from earning $500,000 by getting voted in), while some are just a big play or two away from it.
Fortunately, the Saints have a history of paying out these bonuses even if players come up a little short. Just last year, defensive end Alex Okafor missed out on a $400,000 incentive for logging four sacks (he bagged three), but the Saints cut him a check anyway. Those actions mean a lot to players, and it wouldn’t be surprising in the least if they award some bonuses again this year.
According to The Athletic’s Nick Underhill, several Saints players could trigger bonus payouts by meeting certain criteria in Week 17. Here’s who could bring in some extra money after standing out against the Panthers:
Teddy Bridgewater, quarterback
Bridgewater can earn as much as $5.25 million through contract incentives, but realistically speaking he’s only going to qualify for $500,00 of that thanks to his extended starting-time earlier this season — and only if he throws a touchdown pass against Carolina. Here’s the breakdown:
- Earned: $250,000 for improving upon playing-time from 2018
- Within reach: $250,000 for scoring 10 touchdowns; or $500,000 for 16 touchdowns; or $750,000 for 21 touchdowns. Currently has 9 touchdowns
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 per playoff appearance where Bridgewater plays 50 percent of the snaps. Unlikely, unless Drew Brees gets injured again
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 2,500 yards; or $500,000 for 2,751 yards; or $750,000 for 3,001 yards. Currently has 1,370 yards
- Not likely to be earned: $2.5 million for playing 50% of the snaps. Currently at 39.1%, would need to start and play more than 130 snaps against the Panthers to catch up
Jared Cook, tight end
Cook can earn as much as $2 million with incentives for catches, yards, and all-star recognition, but his extended absence with an ankle injury likely sunk his chances.
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 70 receptions; and $250,000 for 75 receptions; and $250,000 for 80 receptions. Currently has 41 catches.
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 900 yards; and $250,000 for 950 yards; and $250,000 for 1,000 yards. Currently has 661 yards.
- Missed: $350,000 for first-team Pro Bowl
- Not likely to be earned: $150,000 for first-team All-Pro
Zach Line, fullback
The Saints fullback was one of the leaders in snaps played at his position earlier this season, but a knee injury limited his availability down the stretch. He probably won’t be playing on Sunday after being a late addition to the injury report, which prompted the Saints to re-sign former practice squad fullback Ricky Ortiz.
- Not likely to be earned: $50,000 for 25% of offensive plays; and $500,000 for 35% of offensive plays. Currently at 21.61%, would need to play 48 snaps against the Panthers for the first incentive, and more than 150 snaps for the second
Mario Edwards, defensive lineman
Edwards can accumulate as much as $816,000 by reaching certain milestones for sacks totals, which are detailed below. But it’s unlikely given his production so far and the limited opportunities he’ll get on Sunday.
- Not likely to be earned: $272,000 for 4.5 sacks; and $272,000 for 6.5 sacks, and $272,000 for 8.5 sacks. Edwards currently has two sacks, but would need to more than double that production
Craig Robertson, linebacker
Robertson can bring in as much as $1 million through his incentives for playing-time. While it’s unfortunate that he won’t be able to do reach the numbers set in his contract, it speaks to how deep the Saints have run at linebacker this season that he hasn’t played more often.
- Not likely to be earned: $300,000 for 60% of defensive plays; and $300,000 for 70%; and $400,000 for 80%. Currently at 15.56%, would need to play more than 600 snaps to qualify for just the first incentive, which isn’t happening.
Patrick Robinson, cornerback
Robinson was a victim of increased depth and health at the cornerback position this year; initially projected to start in the slot, he was instead demoted to special teams duties before an ankle injury sidelined him.
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 70% of defensive plays; and $250,000 for 80%; and $250,000 for 90%. Currently has 10.71%
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 5 or more interceptions. Currently has 0 interceptions
- Missed: $250,000 for first-team Pro Bowl
P.J. Williams, cornerback
Williams has already earned $1.25 million of his possible incentives, which total $2.75 million. It’s not impossible to see him snag two more interceptions and play 30-plus defensive snaps on Sunday, which would raise his earned incentives to $2 million.
- Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 3 interceptions; and $250,000 for 5; and $250,000 for 7; and $250,000 for 7 or more plus 80% of defensive snaps. Currently has 1 interception and 73.43% of snaps played
- Earned: $250,000 for 50% of defensive snaps; and $250,000 for 55%; and $250,000 for 60%; and $250,000 for 65%; and $250,000 for 70%. Has already played 73.43% of snaps
- Within reach: $500,000 for 75% of snaps played. Needs to play 30 or more snaps against the Panthers
