New England Patriots star Morgan Moses is poised for a remarkable financial windfall this weekend, with a simple appearance on the field set to land him a bonus of $1.5 million (£1.2 million).
The Playtime Payday Clause
The lucrative trigger is tied to a clause in the offensive tackle's contract, as reported by respected NFL insider Adam Schefter. To earn the substantial incentive, Moses must participate in 90 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps this season. By taking to the field against the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon, he is expected to hit that exact threshold and secure the seven-figure sum.
This comes in a game of little consequence for either team's standings. The Patriots have already secured their place in the playoffs, while the Jets have been eliminated from postseason contention.
A Bizarre Bonus That Benefits the Jets
In a strange contractual quirk, Moses's massive personal gain could also deliver a long-term benefit to the team he will be facing—his former side, the New York Jets. According to analyst Nick Korte, Moses achieving his playtime incentive is likely to increase the value of his contract in the NFL's compensatory pick formula.
This technical adjustment could see the Jets' compensation for losing Moses upgraded from a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft to a more valuable fifth-round selection.
Late-Season Roster Dilemmas Across the NFL
The situation highlights the complex decisions NFL teams face in the final, often meaningless, games of the regular season. Organisations must weigh player safety, contractual incentives, and future planning.
A stark contrast is playing out with the Las Vegas Raiders, who opted to shut down star pass rusher Maxx Crosby for the remainder of the season. Coach Pete Carroll cited a knee injury that 'looks too bad', leading to Crosby being placed on season-ending injured reserve, where he is expected to need surgery.
However, reports suggest Crosby 'vehemently disagreed' with the decision and had been 'fighting' to play. His discontent was seemingly underlined when he posted social media clips of himself running and shooting basketball hoops at home, and jumping on a trampoline with his daughter.
These divergent approaches—playing for a bonus versus shutting down a star—showcase the intricate and often cutthroat financial and strategic calculations that define the NFL's business end.
