Is Investing in Top NFL Quarterbacks Worth the Price Tag?

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The life of an NFL quarterback is a relentless journey. You are the team's hero and scapegoat, shouldering the weight of all victories and defeats. The pressure to be the first one at the facility and the last to leave is immense.

Unsurprisingly, many quarterbacks in the NFL struggle to meet these expectations, even before we consider their actual playing abilities.

The NFL QB Market 

Tom Brady is the last of a breed of QBs that sacrifice personal gain for team success, and his formula undeniably worked. Patrick Mahomes is following suit with his restructured deal.

However, it's not fair to criticize other top QBs who prioritize financial security. Football is a violent sport, where a career or even life can end in any play. In this context, it's crucial for players to secure their financial future.  

The NFL's Problem 

It's crucial for today's NFL teams to have a franchise quarterback, as the league has become more focused on passing. There has been a high turnover rate for starting quarterbacks, particularly for teams transitioning from legendary QBs like the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers, the New England Patriots with Brady and the New Orleans Saints with Drew Brees. These players set a high standard and even won Super Bowls, so it's natural to expect a drop-off at the position if a clear replacement isn't in place.

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The issue arises from the perceived value of quarterbacks, especially after the Deshaun Watson deal with the Cleveland Browns (five years, $230,000,000 fully guaranteed). Before the deal, Watson was considered a top 5 QB, so this type of contract was warranted due to his exceptional play, especially considering the frugal nature of the organization he played for.

Fast forward to the present, it's clear how the Watson contract has impacted the market and the perceived value of quarterbacks. There should be a premium put on playoff success and winning, and when looking at some of the new deals, it's hard to see that reflected. Specifically, when we look at Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, where is the winning? While these players are extremely talented, commanding a $50 million salary seems fair for the individual but not for the team, especially if the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl has not been reached or even approached.

Is the NFL QB Market Correct?

The question above serves as the basis for the article, and the answer is yes. Though the price for a starting QB is high, it is the only way for teams to achieve their ultimate goal. Based on individual and playoff success, it can be argued that they aren't worth the money.

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However, the reality is that teams that have been in a rebuilding phase or without a quarterback for a while will invest heavily to secure their franchise QB. Having a franchise QB is much better than not having one, as it gives you a chance to win. Even though trading them could bring a good return, letting these talented players leave for nothing would be unwise. Therefore, we should expect more lucrative deals as more teams seek to secure their quarterback.