The Crème de la Crème: The Highest-Paid Backup QBs of All Time
Hello, football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the big bucks of the NFL to explore who's been sitting pretty on the bench, ready to step in at a moment's notice, and cashing in some serious cheddar. We're talking about the highest-paid backup QBs of all time. So, buckle up, grab some popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest-paid backup qb all-time.
The Backup Plan: Why Backup QBs Matter
Before we dive into the money, let's talk about why backup QBs are so important. They're not just bench warmers, folks. A solid backup QB can keep a team in the game while their starter is out, or even guide them to victory. They're the insurance policy that every team hopes they won't need to cash in on.
But with great responsibility comes great salary, and that's what we're here to explore. So, let's not waste any more time and dive right into the highest-paid backup QBs of all time.
The Big Guns: The Top 5 Highest-Paid Backup QBs
5. Nick Foles - Philadelphia Eagles
Kicking off our list is none other than Nick Foles, the man who led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in 2018. Now, Foles might not be a full-time backup anymore, but he's still a great example of a backup QB who cashed in big time.
Foles signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, with $9.5 million guaranteed. That's some serious change for a backup. But remember, Foles wasn't just any backup. He had proven himself as a starter and a winner.
4. Blake Bortles - Jacksonville Jaguars
Speaking of the Jaguars, let's talk about Blake Bortles. Bortles was drafted third overall in 2014 and spent several years as the Jaguars' starter. But in 2019, he found himself in a backup role, thanks to the arrival of Gardner Minshew.
However, Bortles still managed to secure a two-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Not bad for a backup, right? Bortles showed that even if you're not the starter, you can still command some serious dough.
3. Robert Griffin III - Baltimore Ravens
RG3 burst onto the scene in 2012, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading the Washington Redskins to the playoffs. But injuries derailed his career, and he found himself in a backup role with the Baltimore Ravens in 2018.
Despite his reduced role, RG3 still managed to secure a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Ravens. That's some serious coin for a backup.
2. Jimmy Garoppolo - San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy G might be a starter now, but he started his career as a backup with the New England Patriots. He was Tom Brady's understudy for four seasons before being traded to the 49ers in 2017.
In 2018, Garoppolo signed a five-year, $137.5 million deal with the 49ers, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL at the time. That's some serious bank for a backup, or even a starter!
1. Kirk Cousins - Minnesota Vikings
And here it is, folks. The cream of the crop, the big Kahuna, the highest-paid backup QB of all time: Kirk Cousins. Now, Cousins is a starter with the Minnesota Vikings, but he started his career as a backup with the Washington Redskins.
In 2016, Cousins was playing on the franchise tag and was set to become a free agent. But before that could happen, he signed a three-year, $84 million deal with the Vikings. That's right, folks. A backup QB signed a deal worth more than $28 million a year. That's some serious cheese.
The Backup Plan: Why Backup QBs Get Paid Big Bucks
So, why are backup QBs getting paid so much? Well, folks, it's all about supply and demand. There are only so many starting QB jobs to go around, and teams are willing to pay big bucks to have a quality backup ready to step in if needed.
Plus, backup QBs are often former starters or high draft picks who are still in their prime. They've proven they can play at a high level, and teams are willing to pay for that experience and potential.
The Bench Warmers: Honorable Mentions
Before we wrap up, we can't forget to mention a few more backup QBs who have cashed in big time.
- Tyrod Taylor - Taylor signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, despite being a backup to Baker Mayfield. - Matt Moore - Moore signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2017, despite being a backup to Ryan Tannehill. - Chad Henne - Henne has made a career out of being a reliable backup QB. He's signed several deals worth millions, including a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks. The highest-paid backup QBs of all time. It's a pretty exclusive club, but these guys have proven they deserve to be there.
Remember, being a backup QB isn't just about sitting on the bench and collecting a paycheck. It's about being ready to step in at a moment's notice and lead your team to victory. And if you can do that, well, you deserve to get paid.
Thanks for joining us on this journey through the big bucks of the NFL. Until next time, folks!