Jones and Vellano were the Patriots’ big winners in the NFL’s performance-based pay distribution, which rewards players who outplay their contracts, especially late-round picks and undrafted players. Each team divvies out $3.46 million to players based on performance.
Jones, the Patriots’ top earner, was awarded $232,313 after playing 51.68 percent of the Patriots’ snaps.
Vellano ($203,479), cornerback Alfonzo Dennard ($159,404), wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins ($153,524), cornerback Logan Ryan ($147,113), center Ryan Wendell ($135,509), receiver Julian Edelman ($118,266), safety Duron Harmon ($109,891), offensive lineman Marcus Cannon ($107,400) and linebacker Jamie Collins ($107,340) round out the top 10 earners on the Patriots. Jones and Vellano each made $405,000 in base salary before the play-based pay.
Running back Leon Washington ($1,343) received the smallest amount of performance-based pay on the team. Quarterback Tom Brady earned an extra $9,362 based on his play.