Chasing the Bag: Which NFL Stars Can Cash In Big During the 2025 Playoffs?
The roar of the crowd, the chill in the air, and the glint of the Vince Lombardi Trophy – the NFL playoffs are a stage like no other. But beyond the glory and the bragging rights, the 2025 playoffs represent a golden opportunity for NFL stars to significantly pad their wallets. While every player dreams of hoisting the trophy, many have contract incentives and playoff bonuses that could lead to a substantial payday. Let’s dive into which players are in prime position to cash in big this postseason.
The Quarterback Carousel: High Stakes, High Rewards
For quarterbacks, the playoffs are where legends are made, and fortunes are earned. Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, currently the highest-paid player in the NFL with a staggering $60 million salary, knows the pressure is on. A deep playoff run isn’t just about cementing his legacy; it’s about justifying that massive contract and potentially triggering further incentives.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, with a $55 million salary, also has plenty to play for. Allen will make $1 million with the Bills winning the AFC Championship game provided he is on the field for at least 60% of Buffalo’s offensive plays. A Super Bowl win is worth an additional $2.5 million to Allen, provided he plays 60% or more on offense in the Super Bowl.
Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar, is always one to watch. Mahomes’ $16.65 million 2025 base salary will increase by $1.25 million to $17.9 million if Kansas City wins the Super Bowl provided he participates in 50% or more of the offensive plays in the game.
Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles also has significant financial incentives tied to playoff success. Hurts’ 2025 through 2028 base salaries will each increase by $500,000 with the Eagles winning the Super Bowl where Hurts is on the field for 70% or more of Philadelphia’s offensive snaps in the game.
Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions also has a $39 million 2028 base salary that will increase by $1 million with the Lions winning the Super Bowl provided his offensive playtime during the regular season was 50% or above and he takes at least 50% of Detroit’s offensive snaps in the playoffs.
These quarterbacks aren’t just playing for a Super Bowl ring; they’re playing for generational wealth. Their on-field performance directly translates to off-field financial gains, making every snap a high-stakes gamble.
Running Backs on the Run: Yardage and Touchdowns Equal Dollars
Running backs often have incentives tied to yardage, touchdowns, and even team success. Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, is a prime example. Barkley needed to rush for at least 1,000 yards during the regular season, which he more than doubled, to unlock $1.5 million of playoff performance bonuses. He gets $250,000 for the Eagles winning the NFC Championship game and another $250,000 with the Eagles becoming Super Bowl champions. Any incentives earned increase Barkley’s 2025 and 2026 base salaries by a corresponding amount.
Derrick Henry, now with the Baltimore Ravens, is another running back who could see a significant financial boost from a strong playoff showing. With incentives often tied to rushing yards and playoff wins, Henry’s powerful running style could translate directly into a bigger payday.
For these running backs, the playoffs are a chance to prove their worth, secure future contracts, and, of course, chase that elusive bag.
Wide Receivers: Catching More Than Just Passes
Wide receivers also have plenty of financial motivation heading into the playoffs. Incentives are often tied to receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
DeAndre Hopkins of the Kansas City Chiefs, could feasibly earn $1 million in bonuses if he has a big enough day in the final game of the Chiefs’ season. At 56 receptions, he’s nine catches short of a $250,000 receptions bonus. At 610 receiving yards, he’s 140 receiving yards short of another $250,000 bonus. If one of those receptions is a touchdown, Hopkins will earn $500,000 for reaching six receiving touchdowns on the season.
For these receivers, the playoffs are a chance to showcase their skills on the biggest stage and turn impressive performances into lucrative bonuses.
Defensive Dynamos: Sacks and Playoff Appearances
Defensive players also have opportunities to cash in during the playoffs. Incentives can be tied to sacks, tackles, and team playoff success.
Kyle Van Noy, an Outside Linebacker, has annual sacks incentives. He gets $250,000 for 10 Sacks, $250,000 for 12 Sacks, and $250,000 for 14 Sacks.
These defensive stars know that a dominant playoff performance can lead to a significant financial windfall.
The Standard Playoff Payouts: A Baseline Bonus
Beyond individual incentives, all players on playoff teams receive bonuses based on their team’s performance. In 2024, NFL players were paid for postseason games in the following amounts based on playoff round. Players on teams that won their division earned $54,500 for their Wild Card game, while players on non-division winners or teams on bye (#1 seeds) earned $49,500 for the initial round. Players earned $54,500 for a Divisional Round game and $77,000 for the Conference Championship. The Super Bowl winners earned $171,000 each, and the losers took home $96,000.
While these amounts are standardized, they represent a significant bonus for players, especially those on smaller contracts. For someone like Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson, who is set to earn $1.2 million this season, the maximum bonus could add an extra 30 percent to his salary.
The Ultimate Prize: Super Bowl Glory and Financial Riches
Ultimately, the biggest payday comes with winning the Super Bowl. Each player on the winning team will receive a $171,000 bonus. Beyond the immediate financial reward, a Super Bowl ring can lead to increased endorsement opportunities and future contract value.
The 2025 NFL playoffs are about more than just wins and losses; they’re about legacies, opportunities, and, of course, chasing the bag. From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, numerous players have the chance to significantly increase their earnings this postseason. As the stakes rise and the pressure mounts, keep an eye on which players are poised to cash in big and make their mark on NFL history.