We regularly hear about the salary cap, base salaries, roster bonuses, and other assorted payments to players. There is a separate payment track outside of the salary cap called performance-based pay that is a benefit not included in the salary cap. The pay is based on snaps vs. salary level.
This year, San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown is a big winner. He received $396,837.78 between performance-based pay and the veteran pool. The former is for players with zero or one accrued seasons. The latter is for anybody else.
The former seventh round pick is earning the league minimum, so the fact that he was the team’s starting right tackle meant he cashed in in a big way.