As it turned out, New York Jets‘ tight end Tyler Conklin was on the receiving end of a milestone touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the real money ball came earlier.

Prior to connecting on a five-yard throw to Conklin for his 500th career touchdown pass, the 41-year-old Rodgers hit the tight end on a $250,000 target in the first quarter of the regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins. Conklin entered the Week 18 home game with 49 receptions to his credit, needing one more catch to trigger a contract incentive worth one-quarter million dollars.

On the first snap of the Jets’ second offensive possession, Rodgers found Conklin on a short pass that went for an 11-yard gain to the right side of the formation and gave the offense a first down at its 34-yard line. It was the first of three targets for the veteran pass-catcher, who finished with two receptions for 16 yards.

“It was fun to get Conk that [touchdown] Conk is one of the good guys on this team. One of the guys you can count on. He’s a natural leader. From Day 1, he made me feel really welcome,” said Rodgers after the 32-20 victory.

The 29-year-old Conklin finished his third season as a Jet with 51 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns. He’s slated to hit free agency this offseason.

best players are your best people and he’s definitely one of them,” said Rodgers.

Conklin, who signed a three-year contract worth $20.3 million in 2022, made at least one reception all 16 games played this season.