Being a true franchise quarterback takes more than just a strong arm and a few viral highlights. It takes consistency, leadership, and the ability to carry a team—not just carry yourself like you’re the main character in an action movie.
But some quarterbacks never quite got that memo. They talked the talk, soaked up the spotlight, and played the role of a savior only to flame out epically. Here are guys who gave off franchise QB energy—without the franchise QB results.
17. Blake Bortles
Bortles looked the part, talked like the part, and even made it to an AFC Championship. But once the magic wore off, so did the franchise QB label.
16. Matt Leinart
Leinart showed up with Hollywood swagger and Heisman hype. But the NFL spotlight revealed he was more backup than blockbuster.
15. Johnny Manziel
He had the confidence, charisma, and commercials—but not the discipline or durability. Johnny Football was all sizzle, no substance.
14. Brock Osweiler
He got paid like a franchise quarterback and carried himself like one, too. But once he got the starting gig, it all unraveled faster than a busted screen pass.
13. Christian Ponder
Drafted to be the future, he sure sounded confident about it. But Minnesota fans quickly realized the future was bleak.
12. DeShone Kizer
Kizer walked into Cleveland with a “lead-the-franchise” attitude. One win later, he walked out the door just as fast.
11. Mitch Trubisky
He had the swagger of a top-two pick. The only problem? He played more like a Day 3 flier.
10. E.J. Manuel
Big arm, big smile, and a lot of early buzz. But it didn’t take long for Buffalo to realize they’d drafted a placeholder, not a pillar.
9. Zach Wilson
Wilson strutted in like he was about to own New York. But between the turnovers and shaky pocket presence, the only thing he owned was the bench.
8. Kyle Boller
Boller thought he could be Baltimore’s long-term answer. Instead, he was just one in a long line of temporary solutions.
7. Quinn Gray
Gray had the confidence of a seasoned starter and acted like he belonged. But reality said otherwise—and loudly.
6. Jimmy Clausen
Clausen had that “starter energy” from day one. Unfortunately, the only thing he led was a fast track to a top draft pick the next year.
5. Josh Rosen
He declared himself the most NFL-ready quarterback in his draft class. Turns out, the NFL wasn’t quite ready for him.
4. Jason Campbell
Every time you thought he might turn the corner, he drifted back into mediocrity. He played like a guy who wanted to be a franchise QB but couldn’t quite close the deal.
3. Paxton Lynch
He was tall, confident, and drafted to be Denver’s savior. Instead, he barely lasted long enough to memorize the playbook.
Read more: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Never As Good As Advertised
2. Mark Sanchez
The New York media hyped him, and Sanchez leaned right into it. But for all the flash, his career is mostly remembered for one unforgettable butt-based blunder.
Read more: 19 Golfers Who Had More Confidence Than Consistency
1. JaMarcus Russell
Russell oozed confidence and star power before ever taking a snap. But once the games started, it was painfully clear he was playing an entirely different sport.
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