NFL teams have a habit of throwing massive contracts at quarterbacks, hoping for a franchise-changing star.
Unfortunately, some of these deals turned into absolute disasters, leaving fans scratching their heads (and owners writing regretful checks).
30. Matt Flynn
Matt Flynn parlayed one incredible game into a $20 million deal with the Seahawks in 2012. He then lost the starting job to a rookie named Russell Wilson before the season even started.
29. Sam Bradford
Bradford made a fortune on potential, earning over $130 million in his career despite never making a Pro Bowl. Injuries and inconsistency kept him from ever living up to his No. 1 overall pick status.
28. Mike Glennon
The Bears gave Glennon a $45 million contract in 2017, seemingly forgetting he was just an average backup. He lasted four games before being benched for rookie Mitch Trubisky.
27. Carson Wentz
Wentz looked like an MVP in 2017 before injuries derailed his career, but that didn’t stop the Eagles, Colts, and Commanders from paying him big bucks. By 2023, he was looking for work as a backup.
26. Nick Foles
Foles will always be a legend in Philly, but the Jaguars made a $22 million mistake believing he was their franchise QB. He broke his collarbone in Week 1 and lost his job to a sixth-round rookie.
25. Jeff George
George had a cannon for an arm and an ego to match, but his production never justified his contracts. He made $30 million in the ‘90s, which was a fortune for a quarterback who never won anything.
24. Marc Bulger
Bulger had a couple of good years with the Rams, which was enough to get him a six-year, $62 million deal. He repaid the favor by leading the league in sacks taken and fading into obscurity.
23. Brock Osweiler
The Texans bet $72 million on a guy with seven career starts, and he turned out to be a disaster. One year later, they were paying the Browns to take his contract off their hands.
22. Jay Cutler
Cutler had the arm talent, but he rarely looked like he cared—except when cashing his massive checks. The Bears gave him a seven-year, $126 million deal, which led to years of mediocrity.
21. Jimmy Garoppolo
The 49ers gave Jimmy G a five-year, $137.5 million deal after just a handful of games. He was good when healthy, but that was the problem—he almost never was.
20. Derek Carr
Carr got a $125 million deal in 2017 and somehow kept cashing in despite never winning a playoff game. The Raiders finally moved on, but the Saints opened up their wallets next.
19. Ryan Tannehill
Miami handed Tannehill a huge contract, then watched him struggle before trading him to Tennessee. The Titans paid him even more, only to regret it once the playoff collapses started.
18. Kyler Murray
Arizona gave Murray a $230 million contract, but they also put in a clause that required him to study film—yikes. The fact they later removed the clause didn’t change the fact that he hasn’t justified the payday.
17. Kirk Cousins
Cousins has mastered the art of guaranteed money, collecting over $200 million despite never making a deep playoff run. He’s the king of solid-but-not-great play and contracts that make fans nervous.
16. Michael Vick (Eagles Contract)
Vick was electrifying, but the Eagles overpaid with a six-year, $100 million deal in 2011. He never played at an elite level again, proving highlight-reel plays don’t always equal long-term success.
15. Joe Flacco
Flacco bet on himself in 2012, won a Super Bowl, and cashed in with a $120 million deal. He never played at a high level again, proving the Ravens paid for past success instead of future potential.
14. Donovan McNabb (Washington Years)
Washington traded for McNabb in 2010, then extended him with a $78 million deal midseason. A few weeks later, they benched him, and he was gone the next year.
13. Tony Romo
Romo was talented but injury-prone, yet the Cowboys still gave him a $108 million contract. He won a lot of regular-season games but was never the elite player his paycheck suggested.
12. Matt Cassel
The Chiefs gave Cassel $63 million after one good year backing up Tom Brady. Turns out, New England’s system was the magic, not Cassel, as he flamed out quickly.
11. Cam Newton (Post-Panthers Deals)
Newton was a superstar in his prime, but after injuries, teams still overpaid hoping for a comeback. The Patriots and Panthers both learned the hard way that his best days were behind him.
10. Daunte Culpepper
Culpepper was a beast with Randy Moss, but after a knee injury, the Dolphins still gave him big money. Miami quickly realized he was broken and cut him loose.
9. Andrew Luck
Luck was great, but the Colts gave him a $140 million deal, only for him to retire a few years later. It’s hard to be overpaid when you don’t play, but Luck managed to do it.
8. Mark Sanchez
The Jets gave Sanchez a five-year, $58 million deal after some playoff runs, forgetting that their defense carried him. He rewarded them with the infamous “Butt Fumble” and a quick exit.
7. Russell Wilson (Broncos Contract)
Denver thought they were getting a Super Bowl QB when they handed Wilson a $245 million contract. Instead, they got a guy who looked completely lost in his first year.
6. Eli Manning
Yes, Eli won two Super Bowls, but the Giants paid him like a top-tier QB for a decade. His regular-season play was average at best, making his massive earnings hard to justify.
5. Matthew Stafford (Lions Contract)
Stafford made an absurd amount of money in Detroit despite never winning a playoff game there. He finally got a ring in L.A., but the Lions paid him way too much for way too long.
4. Matt Ryan
Ryan won an MVP in 2016, but the Falcons gave him a $150 million deal that quickly became an anchor. His decline was brutal, and the Falcons were stuck paying for past success.
3. Drew Brees (Late Career Contracts)
Brees was incredible in his prime, but the Saints kept giving him massive deals when his arm was clearly fading. By the end, his salary cap hits were holding the team hostage.
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2. Aaron Rodgers (Late Packers and Jets Contracts)
Rodgers was great, but Green Bay and the Jets both gave him insane contracts despite clear signs of decline. Now, the Jets have decided to move on and eat the money.
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1. Deshaun Watson
The Browns gave Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million deal despite him not playing for an entire season and facing serious off-field issues. Two years in, his play has been average at best and he may never play again after re-tearing his Achilles.