Who Is The Highest Paid Backup Quarterback In The Nfl

So, you’re sitting there, eating a bag of chips, and the question pops into your head. Who on earth is the highest paid backup quarterback in the NFL? It sounds like a weird trivia question for a bar bet, right?

Let’s be honest, being a backup QB is the best job in sports. You get the gear, the fame, and the sideline access. And your main duty? Holding a clipboard and looking concerned.

But some of these guys are making real money. We’re not talking about pocket change for a weekend warrior. We’re talking millions to just stand there and cheer.

The King of the Clipboard

The current titleholder for “Highest Paid Backup” is Kirk Cousins. Wait, what? Yes, the same Kirk Cousins who was a starter for years.

In 2024, he signed a massive deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Then, just a few months later, they drafted a rookie quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., in the first round. Talk about a plot twist.

So now, Cousins is the backup. And his contract? It’s a whopper worth $180 million over four years. Even if he never takes another snap, he’s laughing all the way to the bank.

His base salary for the 2025 season is around $27.5 million. That is more than most starting quarterbacks make. It’s more than many team’s entire defensive lines make.

Is This Even Real?

Let’s pause and let that sink in. You could pay three mortgage payments on a small island with that money. And Kirk is getting it to hold a towel and whisper “good throw” to the rookie.

Of course, the Falcons hope he never plays a down. Why? Because if he’s playing, it means their shiny new first-round pick got hurt or is struggling. That’s bad news for the franchise.

The 10 Highest-Paid Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL in 2022 - FanBuzz

But if Cousins does have to play? He’s a proven veteran who can win games. It’s a weirdly perfect situation for everyone except the salary cap.

The Runners-Up (Who Are Also Loaded)

If Kirk isn’t your cup of tea, there are other multi-millionaire clipboard holders. Jameis Winston signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams. That’s good money for a guy who throws touchdowns... and interceptions.

Then there’s Gardner Minshew with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s making about $5 million a year. Not bad for a guy with a mustache that deserves its own agent.

And don’t forget Jacoby Brissett. He signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the New England Patriots. He’s the definition of a “bridge” quarterback. You know, the guy you plug in until you find something better.

But none of them come close to Kirk’s $27.5 million. It’s like comparing a sports car to a bicycle. A very nice bicycle, sure, but still a bicycle.

How Did We Get Here?

The NFL is weird, man. Teams get desperate. The Falcons gave Cousins that contract because they wanted a starter. Then, the NFL draft rolled around and Michael Penix Jr. fell into their laps. They couldn’t resist.

The 10 Highest-Paid Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL in 2022 - FanBuzz

So, Cousins becomes the highest-paid backup in history. It’s not a failure on his part. It’s just the madness of the league. It’s like getting a wedding proposal, then being asked to be the best man instead.

Does Kirk mind? Probably not. He’s still getting paid. He’s still on an NFL roster. And he doesn’t have to get tackled by 300-pound men. That’s a win in my book.

What About the Future?

Will this happen again? Absolutely. The NFL salary cap keeps going up, and teams keep hoarding quarterbacks. Daniel Jones signed a big deal with the New York Giants, then got benched. He’s now a backup making bank.

But for now, the crown sits firmly on Kirk Cousins head. He is the Mount Everest of clipboard holders. The Mona Lisa of sideline sweaters.

So next time you see him on the sidelines wearing a headset, remember: He’s probably richer than your entire town. And he’s just waiting for a rookie to trip so he can shine.

That’s the NFL for you. Where the second-best player at the most important position can make more than the President. And honestly? I’m just jealous. Can I get a job holding a clipboard? I’ll even buy my own snacks.