There’s getting paid like a franchise quarterback—and then there’s getting paid like you think you’re one. Some guys cashed massive checks and delivered…meh results, proving that NFL front offices don’t always get it right when betting big on their QB1.
This list dives into the quarterbacks who broke the bank but didn’t exactly break records. Whether it was injuries, underperformance, or just pure delusion, these signal-callers made their teams pay—literally.
20. Matt Cassel
One good year in New England turned into a big payday in Kansas City, and then… not much else. He played like a guy still backed up behind Tom Brady.
19. Blake Bortles
The Jaguars gave him a hefty extension after one decent playoff run. Turns out, Bortles magic had a very short shelf life.
18. Sam Bradford
Bradford stayed getting paid despite rarely staying healthy or consistent. He finessed the rookie wage scale and multiple teams without ever being “the guy.” Now that he is the guy in Seattle, we’ll see how much more he’ll be able to make.
17. Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy G made top-tier money while mostly being a game manager who couldn’t stay off the injury report. The 49ers paid like he was elite, but played him like they didn’t trust him.
16. Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill fooled everyone into thinking he’d turned a corner in Tennessee. He got paid and then promptly turned into a handoff machine with a pick problem.
15. Carson Wentz
One MVP-caliber season got him a contract that looked worse with every passing year. Philly, Indy, and Washington all paid the price—literally.
14. Nick Foles
He earned a statue and a monster deal for one miraculous playoff run. But outside of that Super Bowl magic, it was a whole lot of backup energy.
13. Jared Goff (Rams version)
Goff got that sweet extension before Sean McVay realized he couldn’t win with him unless the stars aligned perfectly. L.A. eventually paid to make him someone else’s problem.
12. Tony Romo
Romo got paid like a superstar year after year, even though his playoff résumé could fit on a napkin. He was more valuable in the broadcast booth than behind center.
11. Joe Flacco
Flacco bet on himself, won a Super Bowl, and got paid like a top-tier QB. The Ravens then watched him turn back into a pumpkin.
10. Russell Wilson (Broncos edition)
Denver threw a bag at Russ before he took a single snap. Then he cooked… the Broncos’ cap space and patience.
9. Matt Flynn
One legendary Week 17 earned him a starter’s contract in Seattle. He lost the job to a rookie named Russell Wilson and never got it back.
8. Jay Cutler
Cutler had a rocket arm and ice-cold demeanor that somehow screamed “elite” to the Bears. They kept paying, and he kept throwing picks with a shrug.
7. Daniel Jones
The Giants paid him like a franchise quarterback after one solid season. Then, they looked like they bought a used car with no engine.
6. Derek Carr
Carr always got paid like a top-10 quarterback. He just never played like one when it actually mattered.
5. Mark Sanchez
He made two AFC title games and parlayed them into starter money for years. But he played like someone still figuring out which way the ball goes.
4. Kirk Cousins (Washington version)
Washington tagged him twice, paying a premium without ever committing long-term. They basically bought a BMW and left it parked in the driveway.
3. Brock Osweiler
Houston saw six decent games in Denver and tossed $72 million at him. He lasted one season before getting shipped off like expired milk.
Read More: 14 NFL Players Who Went Undrafted—and Got Paid
2. JaMarcus Russell
He got $61 million before taking a single NFL snap. Then he played like someone who’d never watched football before.
Read More: 20 of the NFL’s Most Expensive Letdowns
1. Deshaun Watson
He got a fully guaranteed $230 million deal with more baggage than production. Still trying to justify the price tag—and failing pretty hard so far.
Read More: 15 Highly Paid Quarterbacks Who Never Played Like It
