While the 49ers as a team don’t have much to play for in Week 18 vs. the Rams, defensive end Clelin Ferrell will have plenty of motivation to put together a strong performance.
Ferrell according to the Action Network has a pair of contract incentives on the line in the 49ers’ season finale.
There’s a $250,000 bonus for him if he plays 50 percent of the team’s snaps for the season. He’s sitting at 45 percent entering Sunday. There could be additional opportunities for him with San Francisco likely to either rest or limit the roles of their starters.
More snaps for Ferrell may also help him reach his second incentive. He has a $100,000 bonus that kicks in if he reaches 5.0 sacks for the season. Ferrell has 3.5 on the year. It’s not out of the question that he racks up the 1.5 he needs, particularly if he sees an extended role against a Rams offense that’s sitting most of its star players.
If Nick Bosa and Chase Young both take back seats Sunday, watch for Ferrell to put together a big game to try and reach that additional $350,000 that could be heading his way.
There’s an added incentive too though. Ferrell joined the 49ers on a one-year deal, which means he’ll hit free agency this offseason. He’s had a nice year for San Francisco, but capping it with a couple sacks in the finale could mean a bigger pay day coming his way in the offseason.
