Shocking Revelation: Two Snaps Cost Packers’ Sean Rhyan a $2 Million Pay Raise

In the unforgiving world of the NFL, every moment on the field can alter a player’s fate. For Green Bay Packers guard Sean Rhyan, just two snaps cost him a staggering $2 million pay raise for the 2025 season. This story is not only a lesson in the harsh realities of NFL financial regulations but also a testament to how every second on the field carries immense value.

Two Snaps That Changed Everything

Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), specifically Article 7, Section 4, players drafted in rounds 3 through 7 can earn a significant salary increase known as the “Proven Performance Escalator” (PPE) if they meet specific playing time thresholds. For Sean Rhyan, a third-round pick by the Packers in 2022, the requirement was to participate in at least 35% of the team’s offensive or defensive snaps in two of his first three seasons or achieve a cumulative average of 35% across all three seasons.

Rhyan, signed to a four-year, $5.12 million rookie contract, came agonizingly close to meeting this threshold. Over three seasons from 2022 to 2024, he played 1,144 out of 3,272 offensive snaps for the Packers, equating to 34.952%—a mere 0.048% short of the 35% mark. Had he played just two more snaps at any point during those three seasons, his percentage would have reached 35.003%, triggering the PPE. The result? His 2025 base salary would have jumped from $1.363 million to $3.406 million—a difference of $2.042 million.

Rhyan’s Challenging Journey

Rhyan’s story becomes even more compelling when examining his NFL journey. His 2022 rookie season was nearly a disaster. He appeared in just one game, playing zero offensive snaps and only one special teams snap, which doesn’t count toward PPE eligibility. To make matters worse, Rhyan was suspended for the final six games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, costing him $235,000 in base salary.

The 2023 season marked progress, with Rhyan playing 183 snaps at both right and left guard as a backup, accounting for 16.7% of the Packers’ 1,096 offensive snaps. By 2024, he had become a mainstay, starting every game and playing 89% of offensive snaps. However, splitting time with first-round rookie Jordan Morgan through Week 9 and missing eight snaps in Week 14 due to a minor injury prevented him from reaching the necessary threshold.

Confusion and Disappointment

Rhyan’s agent, Cameron Foster, expressed profound disappointment. He believed Rhyan had met the 35% threshold based on public data from Pro Football Reference, which credited Rhyan with 1,146 snaps (35.003%). However, official NFL and NFLPA records recognized only 1,144 snaps, leaving Rhyan just short. “We thought he hit exactly 35% of snaps,” Foster told ESPN. “But the NFL and NFLPA both confirmed he fell slightly short. So, the Packers won’t be awarding the PPE. We’re really disappointed.”

An NFL contract expert noted that some agreements explicitly prohibit rounding up statistical figures for bonuses or salary escalators, explaining why Rhyan missed out despite the razor-thin margin.

Packers Unable to Compensate

Notably, the Packers cannot voluntarily award Rhyan this money, even if they wanted to. Per CBA rules, the PPE is mandatory and only triggered when a player meets the criteria. To adjust Rhyan’s 2025 salary, the Packers would need to extend his contract, which would impact their salary cap and potentially affect future extension plans if they choose to retain him beyond this season.

Still, Rhyan isn’t entirely empty-handed. In March 2025, he received a supplemental payout of $697,006 from the NFL’s performance-based pay program, ranking third on the team behind Rasheed Walker ($925,612) and Zach Tom ($849,141). However, this amount pales in comparison to the PPE raise he missed.

Rhyan’s Future

Despite the setback, Rhyan has one final season on his rookie contract to prove his worth. With the Packers signing guard Aaron Banks and the presence of rookie Anthony Belton, competition for the right guard spot will be fierce in 2025. If Rhyan secures a starting role and performs impressively, he could land a lucrative deal as a free agent in the spring of 2026.

Sean Rhyan’s story serves as a stark reminder that in the NFL, every moment carries significant financial weight. Just two snaps—mere seconds on the field—cost him a life-changing sum. Yet, with talent and determination, Rhyan still has a chance to turn his NFL dreams into reality.