NFL Awards $542M in 2025 Performance Pay to Players

The National Football League announced on March 16, 2026, that it will distribute $542 million in performance-based pay to players for their contributions during the 2025 season, with former Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright receiving the largest share at $1.44 million.

The payout more than doubled Wright's base salary of $1.1 million from the Bears, recognizing his breakout performance in a season where he logged 97 percent of Chicago's defensive snaps and 4 percent on special teams across 17 games, all but one as a starter. Wright recorded career highs of five interceptions, 80 combined tackles, 11 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss and one quarterback hit. He also scored his first career touchdown and earned his initial Pro Bowl selection. His efforts helped the Bears secure the NFC North title for the first time since 2018 and advance to the playoffs, including victories in the Wild Card and Divisional rounds. In the postseason opener, Chicago staged its largest comeback in franchise history, rallying from a 27-10 deficit to defeat the Green Bay Packers 31-27. Bears coach Ben Johnson described the win as particularly...