The Pittsburgh Steelers won seven of their final nine games. A 2-6 start for the Steelers didn't allow them to make the payoffs. However, they have two players who achieved a different kind of victory in 2022.

Proven Performance Escalators, or PPEs, are financial boosts given to rookies who were drafted in the second through seventh rounds and have participated in a substantial number of plays for their teams. According to Over The Cap, Steelers' linebacker Alex Highsmith and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson will see salary increases in 2023 as both are qualified as Level One PPEs.

A Level One PPE is given to a second-round pick if he participates in 60% of his team’s offensive or defensive plays in two out of three of his first three seasons, or if he participates in an average of 60% of their team’s offensive or defensive plays throughout his first three years.

Third through seventh-round draft picks are also awarded Level-One PPEs. This occurs when a player logs 35% of their team’s offensive or defensive plays in two out of three of their first three seasons, or if they participate in an average of 35% of their team’s offensive or defensive plays throughout their first three years.

Highsmith and Dotson were third and fourth-round picks respectively by the Steelers in 2020.

Highsmith logged 43% of the Steelers' defensive snaps during his rookie campaign. Over the last two seasons, it's gone up to 76% and 88%. So, in 2023, Highsmith will receive a salary increase from $1.3 million to $2.6 million.

Dotson registered less than half of the Steelers' offensive snaps (41%) in his first year. He's barely missed a snap in the last two seasons tallying 90% and 100%. For that, Dotson will go from making a little over $1 million next season to $2.6 million.

It's safe to say that Highsmith and Dotson won't need anyone to pay their cell phone bills anytime soon.

Feature image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports