If there is a lockout in 2011, some Bears players will have some extra money to carry over into a period of uncertainty thanks to the NFL's performance-based pay system.
Cornerback Zack Bowman collected an additional $355,355, the second-highest figure in the league, according to a source with knowledge of the payouts.
Bowman's base salary this past season when he played in all 16 games and led the team with six interceptions was only $310,000. Call it Christmas in March. The NFLPA has recommended agents tell their players to save this money in the event of a work stoppage a year from now.
The performance-based pay fund is a leaguewide system devised to
allocate money to players with the lowest salary-cap numbers who were
on the field the most for their teams. Contributions from all 32 teams
totaled $3,422,875. That money is divided by a formula the league has
for measuring playing time versus a player's cap number.
Bowman's cap number was $315,200 and he was on the field for 80.4 percent of the defensive snaps. Every player that plays a down gets a check. Even middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who was on the field for 35 snaps in the first half of the season opener at Green Bay, picked up a check for $452.
Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan received the highest PBP check for $397,555.
Here are the Top 10 for the Bears:
CB Zack Bowman $355,355S Al Afalava $297,450
LB Nick Roach $206,872
WR Johnny Knox $180,744
WR Earl Bennett $162,025
S Kevin Payne $142,435
TE Kellen Davis $140,987
CB Corey Graham $137,302
DT Marcus Harrison $132,814
RB Matt Forte $128,837
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I suspect the league contributes the majority of the funds, still seems kinda skewed.
So let me get this straight? the 32 team payout was 3,400,000? but the bears players took 1,200,000 oe so million and add John S that's half of the payout to the. bears and vikes. sounds a bit off if you ask me. Brad can you doulbe check that?