Mike Hilton came out of nowhere to become a key member of the Steelers defense in 2017, while Jesse James continued to hold down the starting tight end spot despite the addition of Vance McDonald just before the start of the season.
Wednesday, they were rewarded for their efforts by the NFL through the performance-based pay distribution.
Hilton, who earned a role as the Steelers' nickel cornerback after joining the team's practice squad late in the 2016 season, was awarded an additional $327,000. He earned a base salary of $425,000 in 2017, when he recorded 64 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
James, a fifth-round draft pick in 2015, started 14 games in 2017, catching a career-high 43 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns. He earned $615,000 last season but was awarded an additional $294,000 in performance-based pay.