As NFL’s QB Carousel Spins, Even Backups Are Getting Big Money

The NFL’s quarterback carousel is spinning early on in free agency—and everyone is getting paid.

Sam Darnold’s three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks is the most expensive deal so far. But Justin Fields surprised some with the two-year, $40 million pact he signed with the Jets.

But it’s not just QB1s who are cashing in. Even backups and those without guaranteed starting spots are receiving some nice paydays from their new teams:

• Daniel Jones, Colts: One year, $14 million
• Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals: Two years, $12.5 million
• Mason Rudolph, Steelers: Two years, $8 million
• Joshua Dobbs, Patriots: Two years, $8 million
• Mac Jones, 49ers: Two years, $7 million
• Nick Mullens, Jaguars: Two years, $6.5 million
• Zach Wilson, Dolphins: One year, $6 million

Commanders backup Marcus Mariota re-signed in Washington on a one-year, $8 million deal, and the Buccaneers brought back Kyle Trask for another year and $2.78 million.

More to Come

As of Thursday evening, the NFL world was still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to sign with a new team or retire after the Jets officially cut him, triggering a $49 million dead-cap hit. The Steelers are thought to be the favorites, but the Giants have also shown interest, and even the Vikings have been reported as an option.

Russell Wilson reportedly visited the Browns on Thursday, and he will visit the Giants on Friday. He played on a one-year, $1.21 million contract for the Steelers last season but received $37.8 million from the Broncos, who were charged an $85 million dead-cap hit after releasing him.

Meanwhile, Geno Smith could receive a raise from the Raiders, who traded a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for the veteran quarterback. Smith is entering the final season of a three-year, $75 million contract, and he is scheduled to make $31 million in 2025.