New England Patriots defensive tackles Chris Jones and Joe Vellano earned big paychecks based on their play in 2013.
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.
