Playing quarterback in the NFL comes with big expectations—and even bigger paychecks. While some earn their keep with clutch performances and championship runs, others walk away with the money but no postseason success to show for it.
These quarterbacks landed huge contracts but never secured a single playoff win. Here’s our countdown from 10 to 1 of the highest-paid QBs who couldn’t get it done when it counted.
10. Tua Tagovailoa – $125 Million
Tua Tagovailoa is proof that talent and a good team don’t always translate to playoff success. After the Dolphins picked up his fifth-year option and eventually handed him a $125 million contract extension, Tua made the playoffs but has yet to notch a win. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but until he breaks through in the postseason, he remains on this list.
9. Kirk Cousins – $231.6 Million
Ah yes, the king of regular-season consistency and playoff letdowns. Kirk Cousins has made a lot of money, including a fully guaranteed $84 million contract in Minnesota. But every time the playoffs roll around, the script remains the same—solid stats, prime-time nerves, and an early exit.
8. Ryan Fitzpatrick – $82 Million
FitzMagic? More like FitzMoney. Ryan Fitzpatrick made a career out of electrifying stretches of play followed by head-scratching interceptions. He signed multiple big contracts across his journeyman career, but despite playing 17 seasons and raking in over $80 million, he never even started a playoff game.
7. Jay Cutler – $127.7 Million
Jay Cutler had a cannon for an arm and the demeanor of a guy who just woke up from a nap. He made a fortune with the Bears, signing a $127 million deal, but in his lone NFC Championship Game appearance, he left early due to injury—only for Bears fans to wonder if he wanted to be out there. No playoff wins for Smokin’ Jay.
6. Sam Bradford – $130 Million
Sam Bradford was the ultimate “potential” guy. He kept getting paid based on what he could be rather than what he actually was. Thanks to being the last No. 1 overall pick under the old rookie contract rules, Bradford banked a ridiculous $78 million deal before playing a single NFL snap. Add in more contracts later, and you get a QB who made $130 million with zero playoff wins.
5. Alex Smith (Before Andy Reid) – $189.7 Million
Alex Smith actually did win playoff games—but only after Andy Reid and the Chiefs turned him into a solid QB. Before that, Smith was a No. 1 overall pick who got paid a ton by the 49ers but never won a playoff game until nearly a decade into his career.
4. Carson Wentz – $128 Million
Carson Wentz technically has a Super Bowl ring, but let’s be honest—Nick Foles did the heavy lifting. After the Eagles signed Wentz to a massive extension, his play cratered. He made over $120 million in career earnings and hasn’t sniffed playoff success.
3. Matt Flynn – $19.5 Million (For One Game)
Matt Flynn is the ultimate “bag fumbler” in the best way possible. He threw six touchdowns in a meaningless Week 17 game for the Packers, parlayed that into a $19.5 million contract with Seattle… and then lost his job to some rookie named Russell Wilson before ever starting a playoff game. Respect.
Read More: Ranking the 10 Worst Quarterback Contracts in the NFL Right Now
2. Brock Osweiler – $41.3 Million
Speaking of guys who got paid based on limited tape, Brock Osweiler played a handful of decent games for the Broncos and convinced the Texans to give him a four-year, $72 million contract. He was so bad that Houston traded him away just to get rid of the contract.
Read More: The 30 Most Insanely Overpaid Players in the NFL
1. Derek Carr – $152 Million (And Counting)
Derek Carr leads the way here because he continues to be the example of a well-paid QB who just doesn’t get it done in the playoffs. He signed a $125 million deal with the Raiders and later got another huge payday with the Saints. His playoff record? 0-1. Ouch.
Read More: 10 NFL Quarterbacks Who Aren’t as Elite as People Think
