Kader Kohou, representing the Miami Dolphins, emerged onto the field ahead of a match against the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Those who tuned in to the recent Super Bowl are likely aware of the stark contrast in earnings per performance between Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy. Mahomes, ranking as the second-highest paid quarterback in the league, earned significantly more per pass attempt compared to Purdy, who tied for 75th place in earnings.
Despite being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers has surpassed expectations, leading the team to the NFC Championship in his rookie season and the subsequent Super Bowl appearance. In situations where a player is notably underpaid, the NFL typically makes adjustments.
Among the top 25 players receiving performance-based pay increases after the 2023 season, Kader Kohou of the Miami Dolphins secured the fifth-highest boost, trailing behind John Simpson of Baltimore, Reed Blankenship of Philadelphia, Spencer Brown of Buffalo, and Cordell Volson of Cincinnati.
Kohou, who joined the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2022 with a salary of $705,000, has since made significant contributions. He has started in 29 games, amassed 135 tackles, defended 20 passes, made 10 tackles for loss, registered five quarterback hits, and snagged an interception. In recognition of his efforts, Kohou will see his pay increase by $878,167.
Following closely on the list is Luke Fortner, the starting center for the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose salary received a boost of $872,196. Fortner, selected as the 65th pick in the third round of the 2022 draft, earned a base salary of $705,000 in his rookie year along with a signing bonus of $295,011. In 2023, his base salary was raised to $905,003 with the same signing bonus.
Among the notable players mentioned is DaRon Bland of the Dallas Cowboys, who set an NFL pick-six record in 2023. Brock Purdy earned the 24th-highest pay increase, receiving a raise of $739,795.
