2 Jets crack the NFL's performance-based pay list with increased playing time

The NFL's performance-based pay program does an incredible job of compensating players who played larger roles for their team than their yearly salary would suggest.

In the New York Jets' case, two players, one old and one new, were both given bonuses that matched the amount of time they spent on the field in 2025, despite how much they received based on their contract.

Recently signed Jet and former Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright was the highest paid among qualified players, earning a $1.44 million bonus despite his low salary.

2025 fourth-round pick Malachi Moore, who ended up playing a lot more than expected, earned himself $1.04 million, thanks to his increased playing time throughout the season.

Jets' Malachi Moore, Nahshon Wright, receive nice bonus via NFL performance-based pay

Moore, the 130th overall pick out of Alabama, wasn't supposed to be a starter in his first NFL season. Andre Cisco and Tony Adams were supposed to anchor the backend of the Jets' defense in 2025 until injuries to Cisco and Adams' poor play led to the former Crimson Tide standout playing 84% of the Jets' defensive snaps.

Moore ended up appearing in all 17 games, starting 14 in his rookie season, and recorded 101 tackles, three passes defended, one forced fumble and fumble recovery, and three tackles for loss.

His rookie contract dictated he be paid $1.06 million in his first year in the pros, but his performance-based bonus will bring that up to $2.1 million for the year. Not a bad haul for the first-year player.

Wright was the highest earner among all players qualified for performance-based pay, and for good reason. After signing with Chicago on a one-year, $1.1 million contract in April 2025, the Oregon State product had a career year.

The former third-round pick started a career-high 16 games for Chicago in 2025, hauling in a whopping five interceptions, forcing three fumbles, and breaking up 11 passes. Wright earned his first Pro Bowl nod for the turnover-filled season.

Wright earned $1.44 million under the performance-based pay plan, bringing his 2025 salary to $2.54 for the season. He cashed in on a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Jets in free agency.