The NFL is full of big contracts, bigger expectations, and occasionally… colossal flops. Some players get paid like kings, only to deliver performances better suited for the preseason.
Whether it was injuries, attitude problems, or just plain underperformance, these guys left teams scratching their heads and fans wondering what could have been. Let’s count down 20 of the priciest disappointments in league history.
20. Nick Foles
He won a Super Bowl MVP, then got paid in Jacksonville and disappeared faster than the Jags’ playoff hopes. That magic clearly didn’t travel with him.
19. Kenny Golladay
The Giants threw a massive bag at him and in return got… maybe a nice block or two? One touchdown in two years doesn’t exactly scream WR1.
18. Nnamdi Asomugha
He was once the crown jewel of free agency, and the Eagles thought they hit gold. Instead, they got a zone-averse corner who looked completely lost in their scheme.
17. Jared Goff (Rams version)
The Rams extended him for over $100 million, only to trade him away two years later. That Super Bowl appearance didn’t exactly age well.
16. Carson Wentz
After an MVP-caliber season derailed by injury, Philly doubled down with a mega-deal. What followed was a rapid decline and two more teams trying to fix him.
15. JaMarcus Russell
The Raiders gave him record-setting rookie money, and he gave them… a blank DVD and some legendary laziness. One of the most infamous busts in NFL history.
14. Albert Haynesworth
He cashed in with Washington, then stopped trying altogether. Conditioning drills became his arch-nemesis.
13. Russell Wilson (Broncos version)
Denver gave up a haul and handed him a fortune, expecting Super Bowl glory. What they got was a disastrous first season and a whole lot of memes.
12. Michael Thomas
He earned “Can’t Guard Mike” money, then essentially vanished with injuries and drama. Once elite, now mostly a ghost.
11. Le’Veon Bell
Held out for more money, got it from the Jets, and forgot how to be productive. His rap career might’ve lasted longer than his impact in New York.
10. Sam Bradford
Teams kept believing and kept handing him massive checks. Injuries and inconsistency followed him like a shadow his entire career.
9. Brock Osweiler
The Texans paid him like a franchise QB based on seven decent games. He repaid them with pick-sixes and panic throws.
8. Deion Sanders (Washington version)
Prime Time was past his prime by the time Washington backed up the Brinks truck. One underwhelming year, and then he was out.
7. David Johnson
Once a fantasy football legend, the Cardinals extended him and immediately regretted it. Injuries and ineffectiveness followed that payday.
6. Matt Flynn
One epic game in Green Bay earned him a big deal with Seattle. Then he got beat out by a rookie named Russell Wilson and never recovered.
5. Brandon Marshall (Giants version)
He was supposed to be the veteran presence in New York’s offense. Instead, he caught 18 passes and quietly exited the league.
4. Jay Cutler
Armed with a rocket arm and zero facial expressions, Cutler signed big with the Bears and brought years of frustrating mediocrity. Chicago never truly got their money’s worth.
3. Chase Daniel
The man might be the highest-paid clipboard holder in NFL history. Respect the hustle, but he’s living proof that being a good backup can be wildly lucrative.
2. Deshaun Watson
Despite serious off-field controversy and a lengthy layoff, Cleveland gave him a fully guaranteed deal. So far, the return on investment looks like a gamble gone very wrong.
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1. Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys paid him like the engine of the offense, then watched his explosiveness fade year by year. By the end, Tony Pollard was clearly the better option—and much cheaper.
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