Linebacker Payton Wilson and guard Mason McCormick of the Pittsburgh Steelers received some of the highest performance-based pay bonuses in the NFL for their 2025 seasons. McCormick earned $1.173 million, while Wilson received $1.102 million. The bonuses come from an NFL fund that rewards playing time relative to salary.
The NFL distributed more than $542 million in performance-based pay for the 2025 season, with two Pittsburgh Steelers players ranking near the top of the league. According to an NFL press release, guard Mason McCormick finished high on the list with $1.173 million in additional compensation. Linebacker Payton Wilson earned $1.102 million, placing him among the NFL's top 25 recipients and leading the Steelers alongside McCormick, who also topped the team in this category from the previous year. More recipients from Pittsburgh are expected to be announced later. This supplemental pay, which does not count against team salary caps, is calculated by comparing playing time to salary. Players logging at least one snap qualify, with lower-paid contributors often benefiting most. McCormick served as the Steelers' starting right guard in 2025, playing over 1,000 snaps in a steady performance. Selected in the fourth round, he has been highlighted as a potential gem by general manager Omar Khan and the scouting staff. Wilson appeared in all 17 games, starting four, with over 700 defensive snaps primarily in nickel packages and 331 special teams snaps. He assumed captaincy of special teams after safety Miles Killebrew's season-ending ACL injury in Week 6, leading the team with 126 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception. Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright received the highest bonus at more than $1.441 million.
