In the NFL, players face a tough dilemma: chase the biggest paycheck or pursue championship glory. While securing financial stability is a no-brainer, some contracts come at the cost of playing for a true contender. Whether it’s signing with a struggling team for a massive payday or choosing long-term security over a shot at a ring, these decisions can shape a player’s legacy.
Here’s a look at NFL players who prioritized financial opportunities over winning—and how those choices impacted their careers.
15. Kirk Cousins
In 2024, Kirk Cousins signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving the playoff-contending Minnesota Vikings. Despite his impressive stats, including a career-high 509 passing yards in a single game, the Falcons struggled to find consistent success, raising questions about prioritizing financial gain over championship aspirations.
14. Albert Haynesworth
Albert Haynesworth signed a record-breaking $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2009, including $41 million guaranteed. His performance plummeted, managing only 6.5 sacks in two seasons. Haynesworth’s work ethic and conditioning declined dramatically, leading to conflicts with coaches and eventual trades. His pursuit of a massive payday derailed a once-promising career.
13. Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh, a five-time Pro Bowler, has played for five different teams since 2015. Known for his aggressive style, Suh has accumulated over $166 million in career earnings. Despite his talent, he’s prioritized lucrative contracts over team loyalty, moving from the Lions to the Dolphins, Rams, Buccaneers, and Eagles in pursuit of bigger paydays.
12. Brock Osweiler
After winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos, Osweiler signed a lucrative 4-year, $72 million contract with the Texans in 2016. The move backfired spectacularly, as he struggled on the field and was traded to Cleveland after just one season. Osweiler’s pursuit of a big payday ultimately derailed his promising career.
11. Sam Bradford
Despite an injury-plagued career, he secured massive contracts, including a $78 million rookie deal with the Rams and a $36 million deal with the Eagles. Bradford never led a team to the playoffs, yet earned over $130 million in his career.
10. Nnamdi Asomugha
Asomugha signed a lucrative 5-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, leaving the Oakland Raiders. Despite being considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, his performance declined significantly. The Eagles released him after just two seasons, and he retired shortly after a brief stint with the 49ers in 2013.
9. Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace left the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 for a lucrative $60 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Despite the Steelers’ consistent playoff appearances, Wallace opted for the struggling Dolphins, who hadn’t made the playoffs since 2008. His production declined in Miami, and he never reached the postseason during his tenure there.
8. Javon Walker
After a Pro Bowl season with the Packers in 2004, Walker demanded a trade and eventually signed with the Broncos. He later joined the Raiders on a six-year, $55 million contract but played only 11 games over two seasons before being released. Sadly, Walker’s career declined rapidly after injuries and personal trauma, ultimately retiring in 2010.
7. DeMarco Murray
After a stellar 2014 season with the Cowboys, Murray signed a lucrative 5-year, $42 million contract with the Eagles in 2015. However, his production plummeted, and he was traded to the Titans after just one season. Murray never recaptured his Dallas form, was marred by injuries, and retired in 2018 after a disappointing end to his career.
6. Matt Flynn
After a record-breaking game for Green Bay in 2011, Flynn signed a lucrative $26 million contract with Seattle. However, he was quickly overshadowed by rookie Russell Wilson and only started two preseason games. Flynn bounced between teams, earning millions but failing to secure a starting role or championship.
5. Adalius Thomas
Adalius Thomas left the successful Baltimore Ravens for a lucrative 5-year, $35 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2007. Despite initial success, including a Super Bowl appearance, Thomas’s performance declined, and he was released in 2010. His pursuit of a big payday and clashes with coaches ultimately led to a premature end to his NFL career.
4. Alvin Harper
After winning two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, Alvin Harper signed a lucrative 4-year, $10.6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995. His production plummeted, catching only 65 passes in two seasons before being released. Harper’s career never recovered, proving that chasing a big payday doesn’t always lead to success.
3. Adam Archuleta
Adam Archuleta signed a record-breaking 6-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2006, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time. However, his performance declined significantly, and he was benched midway through the season. The Redskins traded him to the Bears after just one year, ending his lucrative but disappointing stint in Washington.
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2. Deion Sanders (later career)
In the twilight of his career, Deion Sanders seemed to prioritize financial gain over championship aspirations. After winning Super Bowls with the 49ers and Cowboys, he signed lucrative deals with the Redskins in 2000 and Ravens in 2004-2005, neither of which were serious contenders.
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1. Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell’s decision to sit out the 2018 season with the Steelers over contract disputes shocked the NFL. He signed a lucrative $52.5 million deal with the Jets in 2019, but his performance declined significantly. Bell never recaptured his All-Pro form, bouncing between teams before bowing out in 2022 to pursue a boxing career. He hasn’t played again since.
