In the NFL, securing a franchise quarterback often requires significant financial investment. With the salary cap rising each year, teams are willing to spend top dollar to lock in a quarterback they believe can lead them to a Super Bowl. However, not all contracts age well, and some become massive financial burdens that hinder a team’s ability to build a complete roster.
Whether due to injuries, underwhelming performance, or misaligned expectations, some teams find themselves stuck with massive quarterback deals they may soon regret. From fully guaranteed contracts to extensions that haven’t lived up to the hype, these are the ten worst quarterback contracts in the NFL right now.
1. Deshaun Watson – Cleveland Browns
In 2022, the Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, despite ongoing legal issues. Since joining, Watson has struggled with performance inconsistencies and injuries, including a season-ending Achilles tear in 2024.
2. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
Prescott’s four-year, $240 million extension, with $231 million guaranteed, was intended to solidify the Cowboys’ quarterback position. However, his performance has not met expectations, and his contract’s structure has created significant salary cap challenges for Dallas.
3. Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in 2024, including $100 million guaranteed. After a 7-7 record in 14 starts, Atlanta has demoted Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., making this contract a glaring misstep.
4. Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams
Stafford’s four-year, $160 million extension in 2022 has become burdensome for the Rams. While they were able to re-structure his contract to help the team during the 2025 off-season, his declining performance and the team’s struggles have made this contract a bit of a liability.
5. Derek Carr – New Orleans Saints
Carr’s four-year, $150 million contract has not translated into on-field success for the Saints. His conservative play style has limited the offense, and the team’s salary cap is strained due to his deal.
6. Daniel Jones – New York Giants
Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract, but his performance for the Giants was incredibly inconsistent. In fact, the Giants decided to eat the money and cut their losses during the 2024 season. Better luck somewhere else, Daniel.
7. Jared Goff – Detroit Lions
Goff signed a four-year, $212 million extension with $170 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. While he has played well in Detroit, this contract limits the Lions’ ability to build a complete roster, and his ceiling as a quarterback remains a concern.
Read More: The 30 Most Insanely Overpaid Players in the NFL
8. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence recently signed a massive contract extension, but questions remain about whether he’s truly a top-tier quarterback. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and struggles against top defenses raise concerns about whether the Jaguars overpaid.
Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Prioritized Contracts Over Championships
9. Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa’s four-year, $212.4 million contract has not delivered the anticipated success. Injuries and inconsistent play have made this deal a concern for the Dolphins.
Read More: 15 NFL Contract Disasters That Teams Wish They Could Erase
10. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
Murray’s five-year, $230.5 million extension has been marred by injuries and uneven performance. The Cardinals are now facing questions about the contract’s impact on their future.
Read More: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
