The Cincinnati Bengals are making headlines this season, particularly with tight end Mike Gesicki, who is maximizing his one-year, $2.5 million contract through performance incentives. Gesicki has already hit three of these incentives, earning an additional $375,000, and is on the verge of hitting even more. His recent performance against the Tennessee Titans saw him catch three passes for 37 yards, bringing his season total to 45 receptions. He then tied his career-high with 10 catches in a crucial overtime victory against the Denver Broncos, surpassing the 55-catch mark.
Gesicki's contract includes multiple incentives related to receiving yards and touchdowns. He is just three yards away from reaching 600 yards, which would trigger an additional $125,000 bonus. Furthermore, if he can score twice against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he could earn another $250,000 by reaching four touchdowns, a feat only achieved once in franchise history.
Offensive lineman Cody Ford is also cashing in, having signed a one-year, $1.35 million deal that included a $600,000 incentive for playing 50% of the offensive snaps. Due to injuries on the offensive line, Ford has already surpassed this threshold, ensuring he will receive the bonus regardless of his participation in the upcoming game against Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, guard Alex Cappa has a Pro Bowl incentive that is unlikely to be met this season, and quarterback Joe Burrow’s incentives are set to kick in starting in 2025, contingent on playoff success.
