Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski a long shot for contract incentives

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Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have a lot of money. But who wouldn't want a little more?

Both Brady and Gronkowski have incentive-laden contracts this season, which means they are a little extra motivated to kick it into high gear for the final four weeks of the season.

Since the last time we checked up on them, Brady's chances at fulfilling his incentives have slipped, while Gronk inched closer to maybe grabbing an extra million bucks. 

Tom Brady

Incentive: Top five in the NFL in passer rating ($1 million)

Current Pace: 96.8 passer rating -- 16th

Incentive: Top five in the NFL in completion percentage ($1 million)

Current Pace: 65.9 percent -- 21st

Incentive: Top five in the NFL in yards per attempt ($1 million)

Current Pace: 7.70 Y/A -- 12th

Incentive: Top five in the NFL in touchdown passes ($1 million)

Current Pace: 20 TDs -- T-14th

Incentive: Top five in the NFL in passing yards ($1 million)

Current Pace: 3,342 yards -- 9th

Brady's passing numbers have been hurt by two things. Number one: the Pats have turned to the run game this year more than most, especially in the red zone. Number two: New England has been almost exclusively a short passing attack this season. Brady will have to come on strong down the stretch if he wants to pick up even one of his incentives. All totaled, he could leave up to $5 million on the table. Not that he really needs it.

The outlook for his tight end isn't much brighter.

Rob Gronkowski

Incentive: 70 or more catches ($1.1 million)

Current Pace: 35 catches

Incentive: 80 percent or more of total offensive snaps ($1.1 million)

Current Pace: 70.2 percent of snaps

Incentive: Nine or more touchdown catches ($1.1 million)

Current Pace: Two touchdown catches

Incentive: 1,085 or more receiving yards ($1.1 million)

Current Pace: 530 receiving yards

Injuries have really hurt Gronk's chances at reaching the thresholds for the incentives. He's missed three games, and even when he's played, Gronkowski just doesn't look right. When he plays, he plays nearly all of the offensive snaps. If Gronkowski can stay healthy for the final four games, he has a chance to reach 80 percent of snaps played. Other than that? It's a long shot for Gronk. 

Regardless of contract incentives, Brady and Gronk are focused on the big prize - a Super Bowl trophy. And at 9-3, the Patriots are squarely in the race. 

Besides, Brady could always do another weird ad for luxury mattresses and Gronk could spike a Tide Pod. 

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