Earlier this week, the Cleveland Browns declared that starting quarterback Joe Flacco would be given the weekend off. With the Browns already secured in the No. 5 seed in the AFC and their seeding unaffected by a Week 18 win or loss, they’ve opted to rest several starters on Sunday.
Regrettably for Flacco, this decision meant missing out on his $75,000 incentive for playing over 50% of the team’s snaps in Week 18. However, the Browns addressed the situation by converting the incentive into a roster bonus, ensuring that Flacco receives the money.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported, “Browns QB Joe Flacco’s deal includes a $75K incentive for each game he plays 50% of the snaps and the team wins. With Flacco resting tomorrow, the team converted that incentive to a $75K bonus for being on the 53-man roster to ensure he gets the money. Nice touch by Cleveland.”
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In Week 18, the Browns will face one of three AFC South teams—Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, or Jacksonville Jaguars—all vying for the division title. Jacksonville can clinch the division with a win over Tennessee on Sunday, but a loss opens the door for Houston and Indianapolis, both playing tonight.
While Joe Flacco has been a compelling storyline this season, the question remains: can he deliver a high-level performance in the playoffs? That’s the $75,000 question.
