The NFL is a high-stakes business built on competition, legacy, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of money. For players, it’s often a tricky balancing act between chasing a Super Bowl ring and securing life-changing paychecks. While many dream of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, others take a different route, choosing to follow the money even if it means suiting up for struggling franchises.
Whether it was signing massive contracts with rebuilding teams or leaving contenders for more cash, these players made it clear where their priorities were. No judgment—football careers are short, and financial security matters—but it’s hard not to wonder what could’ve been if winning had come first. Here are 15 NFL stars who clearly chose the bag over the ring.
1. Albert Haynesworth
In 2009, Albert Haynesworth signed a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), including $41 million guaranteed. Despite the hefty payday, his performance and motivation dwindled, and the team never became a playoff contender during his tenure.
2. Ndamukong Suh
Suh became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history when he signed a six-year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2015. While Suh continued to be a dominant force on the field, Miami struggled to reach the playoffs consistently during his stint.
3. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins bet on himself with back-to-back franchise tags in Washington before securing an $84 million fully guaranteed deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. He then signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2025, with the first two years of his deal fully guaranteed. Get your bag, Kirk!
4. Joe Flacco
After leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl win in 2012, Flacco inked a six-year, $120.6 million deal, making him the highest-paid QB at the time. Unfortunately, his performance declined, and Baltimore struggled to maintain their championship form.
5. Sam Bradford
Despite being plagued by injuries, Sam Bradford managed to secure massive contracts, including a six-year, $78 million rookie deal with the Rams and later $20 million from the Eagles and Vikings. His career earnings overshadow his lack of playoff success.
6. DeMarcus Ware
Ware signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Denver Broncos in 2014, which might seem like a contradiction here. However, his decision to leave the Cowboys, who were still playoff contenders, initially appeared financially motivated. He eventually redeemed himself by winning a Super Bowl in Denver.
7. Josh Norman
After a breakout season in 2015 with the Panthers, Josh Norman signed a five-year, $75 million deal with Washington. While Norman got paid, his impact diminished, and Washington remained mired in mediocrity during his time there.
8. Le’Veon Bell
Bell sat out the entire 2018 season to preserve his body, ultimately signing a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019. His production fell off dramatically, and the Jets failed to make any noise in the AFC.
9. JaMarcus Russell
Drafted first overall in 2007, Russell signed a six-year, $61 million deal with $32 million guaranteed, one of the largest rookie deals at the time. His lack of preparation and poor performance made him one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.
10. Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald was loyal to the Arizona Cardinals, signing multiple lucrative extensions. While his talent was undeniable, staying with a team that struggled to maintain consistent success likely cost him a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl ring.
11. Mike Wallace
Wallace left the Steelers after the 2012 season for a five-year, $60 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. While he got his payday, his production declined, and the Dolphins failed to become contenders.
12. Brandon Marshall
Marshall earned a reputation as a dynamic receiver, signing big deals with several teams, including the Bears and Jets. Despite his individual success, he never appeared in a playoff game, let alone competed for a Super Bowl.
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13. Tyreek Hill
After winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous weapons, Tyreek Hill left the team in 2022 to sign a four-year, $120 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. While Hill has continued to dominate statistically, leaving Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs significantly reduced his chances of adding another ring.
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14. Javon Walker
Walker signed a six-year, $55 million deal with the Raiders in 2008, despite Oakland being far from a competitive team. Injuries and lackluster performances led to his release just two years later.
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15. Chris Johnson
“CJ2K” cashed in after his 2,000-yard season in 2009 with a four-year, $53.5 million deal from the Titans. Tennessee, however, failed to surround him with the necessary pieces to make a deep playoff run.
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