Clary Ranks First In Performance-Based Pay

San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Jeromey Clary ranked first in the league under the NFL’s performance-based pay system, cashing in with an extra $405,859, the league announced today. A former sixth-round draft pick from Kansas State, Clary earned the money based on a system that rewards players for playing time compared to their salary level. The payouts are derived by dividing playing time by total compensation in comparison to other players. Players received a total of $105 million under the program, which was established in 2002. It’s scheduled to remain in place under the Collective Bargaining Agreement during years where there’s a salary cap. 2010 is scheduled to be an uncapped year at this point. Here are the top 15 pay distributions: (1) Clary; (2) Arizona Cardinals center Lyle Sendlein ($348,134); (3) Washington Redskins safety Chris Horton ($348,134); (4) New Orleans Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks ($335,033); (5) Cleveland Browns cornerback Brandon McDonald ($329,803); (6) Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard Uche Nwaneri ($323,788); (7) New York Giants safety Michael Johnson ($315,650); (8) Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey ($311,294); (9) Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Darnell Stapleton ($311,220); (10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Donald Penn ($310,919); (11) Houston Texans offensive guard Mike Brisiel ($304,063); (12) Chicago Bears safety Kevin Payne ($302,218); (13) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither ($301,856); (14) Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson ($285,427); and (15) Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston ($268,762).