Green Bay Packers guard Sean Rhyan narrowly missed a financial milestone that could have significantly boosted his 2025 salary. Over his first three seasons in the NFL, Rhyan logged 1,144 offensive snaps—just two snaps shy of the 1,146 needed to meet the 35% snap threshold required for the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator (PPE). As a result, Rhyan missed out on an additional $2 million in salary for 2025.
The Proven Performance Escalator, established as part of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is a mechanism designed to reward players selected in the third through seventh rounds of the draft who achieve significant playing time during their first three seasons. To qualify, players must participate in at least 35% of their team’s offensive or defensive snaps over those three years. For Rhyan, hitting this benchmark would have elevated his base salary for the 2025 season to an amount closer to the average for veteran players at his position.
Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Rhyan entered the league with high expectations. Known for his versatility and strength, he quickly became a key component of the Packers’ offensive line rotation. However, as is often the case in the NFL, injuries, game-day circumstances, and coaching decisions can significantly influence snap counts. Despite being a reliable presence on the field, Rhyan’s total snaps fell agonizingly short of the mark.
The $2 million gap underscores the razor-thin margins that define professional football. For players like Rhyan, meeting the snap threshold can have a substantial impact not only on their financial future but also on their perceived value within the league. Missing the PPE bonus by such a narrow margin highlights the importance of every play, not just for team success but for individual milestones as well.
For the Packers, Rhyan’s development remains a positive story. His contributions on the offensive line have helped stabilize the team’s protection schemes and running game. While the missed escalator may sting, it doesn’t diminish Rhyan’s value to the franchise or his potential for growth in the coming years.
Looking ahead, Rhyan has an opportunity to use this near-miss as motivation. With two more seasons to continue proving himself on the field, he can position himself for a lucrative second contract or other performance-related incentives. The Packers, meanwhile, will undoubtedly benefit from his determination and continued improvement.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, every snap counts—and for Sean Rhyan, those two missing plays serve as a poignant reminder of just how much can ride on the smallest details.
