When it comes to quarterbacks, you want leadership, consistency, and a little bit of magic. But sometimes, teams end up with someone who throws up more red flags than touchdown passes.
Whether it was their attitude, off-field decisions, or just plain chaotic energy, these quarterbacks had fans and franchises on high alert. Let’s take a look at QBs who screamed “proceed with caution” from the moment they stepped under center.
14. Zach Wilson
The confidence was sky-high, but the results never followed. Every press conference felt like a red flag parade.
13. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm and the skills, but often looked like he just didn’t care. That “whatever” vibe rubbed teammates and fans the wrong way.
12. Jameis Winston
One week he’d throw for five touchdowns, the next he’d toss five picks. You never knew which version you were getting, and that unpredictability was exhausting.
11. Jeff George
Few QBs had a cannon quite like George, but his attitude was legendary, for all the wrong reasons. Coaches struggled to manage him, and teammates weren’t lining up to defend him.
10. Baker Mayfield
Cocky commercials and chip-on-the-shoulder energy can work—until they don’t. Baker talked a big game, but the rollercoaster performances had everyone holding their breath.
9. Vince Young
He flashed early promise, but things unraveled fast. Between clashes with coaches and disappearing confidence, it all screamed “something’s off.”
8. Ryan Leaf
The ultimate cautionary tale, Leaf had all the tools and none of the temperament. His epic flameout still echoes through draft rooms today.
7. Carson Wentz
He looked like the future MVP… until he wasn’t. Injuries, locker room rumors, and sudden regression made him the ultimate “what went wrong” case.
6. Cam Newton (Late Career)
Early Cam was electric, but the later years were a masterclass in style over substance. The fashion stayed loud, but the play got quiet.
5. Colin Kaepernick (Late Career)
Before things got political, his on-field performance was already trending down. His confidence stayed high, but the results didn’t match.
4. Rex Grossman
If “YOLO” were a quarterback, it’d be Rex. One deep bomb, one head-scratching interception—it was never boring, but it was always risky.
3. Josh Rosen
From Day 1, Rosen gave off “I’m the smartest guy in the room” energy. The problem was, he rarely backed it up on the field.
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2. Deshaun Watson
Before the off-field scandals, there were whispers of friction with coaches and management. After everything surfaced, those red flags turned into full sirens.
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1. Johnny Manziel
From the moment he entered the league, Manziel was more TMZ than MVP. Talent was never the problem—it was everything else.
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