Meaningless Football? Not for These Players

For Dallas Cowboys fans who were hoping for a playoff berth, the Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders might seem like little more than a formality. With the Cowboys already secured in the postseason, it could feel like a “meaningless” game in the eyes of many. However, for the players on the field, this final game of the regular season means much more. While fans might be counting down the days until the playoffs, for some players, this is their last shot to prove their worth and secure a spot on the roster—either with the Cowboys or another team.

Beyond job security, for several players, Week 18 also comes with significant contract incentives that could impact their financial future. Whether it’s earning a bonus for reaching a specific snap count or recording a stat milestone, the stakes are high for a few Cowboys players. Here’s a closer look at how certain players stand to benefit—or lose—based on their performance in the regular season finale.

Cooper Rush’s Quest for $250,000

For backup quarterback Cooper Rush, Week 18 has far-reaching financial implications. While he is not expected to be the starter, Rush still has an opportunity to secure a quarter of a million dollars if he plays enough snaps. The key to unlocking this bonus lies in his snap count. According to his contract details provided by Spotrac, Rush has a financial incentive if he plays 55% of the team’s offensive snaps for the season.

Rush has already reached 45% of the team’s offensive snaps and earned $250,000 for that accomplishment. But to hit the next tier and secure an additional $250,000, he needs to play more snaps in Week 18. With the Cowboys’ offense already secured in the postseason, it would take a dedicated effort from the coaches to keep Rush on the field for an extended period of time, allowing him to reach that 55% mark. If Trey Lance sees even a single drive in the game, it could reduce Rush’s chances of earning the full incentive. For Rush, securing the full $500,000 would require Dallas to play him throughout the game—an unusual scenario, but one that is well within reach.

Linval Joseph’s Potential $100,000 Bonus

It’s not just the quarterbacks who are eyeing financial incentives in Week 18. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph has a chance to earn $100,000 with just one play. This is due to a contract incentive that rewards him for reaching three sacks on the season. Currently, Joseph has two sacks, and with just one more, he would hit the three-sack mark and pocket the $100,000 bonus.

However, this is easier said than done. Joseph’s role as a nose tackle means his opportunities to rack up sacks are limited. Going into Week 18, he has a modest 24% snap count, which doesn’t give him many chances to impact the game. Despite this, there is some hope for Joseph. The Washington Commanders are likely to come out with an aggressive passing attack, as they are still fighting for a higher playoff seed. This could lead to more passing plays, which might increase Joseph’s chances of getting to the quarterback. But it’s still a long shot.

The Washington Commanders’ Playoff Push: A Blessing or a Curse?

The Washington Commanders have everything to play for in Week 18, as they’re still in the mix for a better playoff seed. This provides a unique opportunity for Cowboys players like Joseph, who may be looking to cash in on their incentives. With the Commanders likely coming out with a high-powered passing attack, it could mean more opportunities for Cowboys defensive players to get after the quarterback. This could be a win-win scenario for both Joseph and the Cowboys, as the more aggressive the Commanders are, the more chances there are for the defense to capitalize.

However, it also puts pressure on the Cowboys’ defense to perform at a high level. While it benefits Joseph’s chances to get more snaps and potentially earn his incentives, it also means the Cowboys must be careful to manage the game and avoid putting key players at risk in a game that is technically meaningless for their playoff positioning.

Mazi Smith’s Injury: A Complicating Factor

Compounding the challenges for Joseph is the injury status of starting nose tackle Mazi Smith. Smith popped up on the injury report with a pelvis injury on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant in practice. While it’s unclear how much this injury will affect Smith’s availability, it could open up more opportunities for Joseph to get more snaps, especially if Smith’s snaps are limited due to his injury.

The Cowboys will likely monitor Smith’s condition closely throughout the week and make a decision on his status for Week 18. If Smith’s injury forces him out of the game or limits his participation, Joseph could see an increase in playing time, which might give him a better shot at reaching his sack incentive.

The Big Picture: What’s at Stake for Joseph and the Team

In addition to the $100,000 for reaching three sacks, Joseph’s contract includes larger incentives for hitting five sacks ($225,000) and seven sacks ($375,000). These bonuses would have been significantly larger had the Cowboys made the playoffs, but even without postseason action, Joseph could still benefit financially from a standout performance in Week 18. While hitting these sack milestones may be a tough ask for the veteran defensive tackle, his financial aspirations are on the line, and he’s not the only one.

For Rush, Joseph, and other players in similar contract situations, Week 18 is far from a meaningless game. For them, it’s a final chance to hit financial milestones that could provide a significant boost to their earnings. Whether they’re aiming to hit a specific snap count or sack target, the players have a lot to play for, and they’re determined to make the most of the final game of the season.