Some NFL teams get caught chasing trends, hyping up the next star quarterback, flashy coach, or scheme that’s supposedly going to change everything. But more often than not, these gambles don’t just miss—they implode spectacularly and leave the team scrambling to recover.
Whether it was a hotshot draft pick, a “can’t-miss” free agent, or a coaching hire that came with way too much swagger, these teams bought into the hype and paid the price. Let’s count down the 18 times NFL franchises fell for the wrong “Next Big Thing.”
18. Carolina Panthers and The Matt Rhule Era
They thought they were getting a culture builder with endless upside. Instead, they got vibes, college slogans, and a whole lot of losses.
17. Cleveland Browns and Johnny Manziel
He brought the swagger and celebrity, but not much else. The Browns went all-in on a highlight reel and ended up with a cautionary tale.
16. New York Jets and Adam Gase
Just because you shared a sideline with Peyton Manning doesn’t mean you’re a genius. The Jets treated Gase like a quarterback whisperer, and the results were more whisper than quarterback.
15. Chicago Bears and Mitch Trubisky
They passed on stars and traded up for a guy with 13 college starts. The hype machine was running full speed—right off a cliff.
14. Las Vegas Raiders and JaMarcus Russell
He had the arm, the frame, and the buzz. Unfortunately, none of that translated into leadership, wins, or even effort.
13. Washington and Dwayne Haskins
The team convinced itself it had found its franchise guy. But the dream unraveled quickly, with more headlines off the field than on it.
12. Buffalo Bills and Rob Johnson
They picked the wrong guy in their own building. While Doug Flutie sparked the team, the Bills chased potential with Johnson and got burned.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars and Blake Bortles
He looked the part, had a playoff run, and fooled just enough people. But one good stretch doesn’t mean you’ve got the guy—just ask Jacksonville.
10. Miami Dolphins and Josh Rosen
The Cardinals moved on in record time, but Miami still gave it a shot. Turns out, they just inherited someone else’s mistake.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Greg Schiano
He came in with college fire and a whistle-happy attitude. But the NFL isn’t Rutgers, and players weren’t buying what he was selling.
8. Arizona Cardinals and Steve Wilks
He got one year to prove himself, and the team clearly realized it made the wrong call. One-and-done coaches are rarely “Next Big Things.”
7. New York Giants and Ben McAdoo
The slicked-back hair and playoff appearance made some believe. Then everything fell apart, from benching Eli to blowing up the locker room.
6. Denver Broncos and Paxton Lynch
He was supposed to be the future after Peyton. Instead, he couldn’t even be present.
5. San Francisco 49ers and Chip Kelly
The tempo and college pedigree came with hype. But it only took a few weeks to realize the NFL had already moved on from his ideas.
4. Minnesota Vikings and Christian Ponder
Drafted to be the long-term solution, he never looked the part. The Vikings spent years cleaning up the mess.
3. Detroit Lions and Matt Patricia
The pencil-behind-the-ear genius act didn’t quite land. Turns out, making your team miserable isn’t a long-term strategy for success.
Read More: The 15 Most Despised Coaches in NFL History
2. Tennessee Titans and Vince Young
He came into the league with star power and college heroics. But the transition to the pros exposed all the cracks.
Read More: 10 Times NFL Teams Chose the Wrong Coach — And Knew It Instantly
1. Cleveland Browns and Brady Quinn
The looks, the brand, the Notre Dame hype—it all screamed star. But once the games started, it was clear Cleveland had once again picked the wrong savior.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Were Drafted to the Wrong Team at the Wrong Time
