Latest NFL news puts millions of dollars into 49ers player's pocket

The San Francisco 49ers have had a helluva year and big reason why is their offensive line. The unit has proven to be one of the NFL's best and the latest Pro Bowl votes reflect that in a big way.

Right now, the 49ers have three known 2023 Pro Bowlers on the front five. One is star left tackle, Trent Williams, and this is his 11th nod in 13 seasons. It's quite the opposite when it comes to career accolades for the other two offensive lineman in Aaron Banks, and Jake Brendel however: this is their first-ever Pro Bowl nod.

What makes all three nods impressive is the fact all three players led their respective positions in votes. Meaning, Brendel and Banks received the NFC's most votes at center and guard, while Williams received the most at left tackle.

Banks cashes in thanks to Pro Bowl nod

Banks is a second-round pick, therefore, he can earn a big raise in the fourth year of his rookie deal through the NFL's Proven Performance Escalators. You can read up on how they all work, here, but the one that applies to Banks' 2024 salary is the Level Three escalator, which involves Pro Bowl selections.

An eligible player selected in the second through seventh rounds will qualify for the Level Three Proven Performance Escalator in his fourth League Year if he was selected to one or more Pro Bowls on the original ballot in any of his first three seasons. - NFL CBA

The Level Three PPE "will raise the base salary to the amount of the 2nd round RFA tender", per Over The Cap. Right now, OTC projects second-round RFA tenders at $4.633 million in 2024.

Banks is set to make $2,250,694 in 2024. If the RFA tag comes in at the projected amount, then he'll be awarded a $2,382,306 raise.

That's not bad and it's obviously well-deserved. Now, it's all about beating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18 and trying to get that first Super Bowl ring (for Banks, obviously).