The 15 Highest-Paid Backup QBs in the NFL Right Now

Matt-Schaub-texans

We all know that pro athletes get paid a pretty fair amount, but you imagine that even guys who don’t play make incredible money? You might have guessed that, but after seeing this list of the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL, you might actually see how much some of them earn. So, for all you parents out there, get your kid to learn the proper technique of throwing a spiral, because, even if he doesn’t get into the game, he could make a nice little living for himself—especially if these salaries are any indication.

Photo via Flickr/Karen

Bruce-Gradkowski-bengals

15. Bruce Gradkowski (Pittsburgh Steelers) – $1.65 million average/year

After a somewhat successful career at the University of Toledo, current Pittsburgh Steelers backup Bruce Gradkowski came into the league without much fanfare. But, proving that he has what it takes to maintain a career in the league, Gradkowski has shown to be the perfect second-stringer, performing well when called upon and even winning a few games as a starter. He’s not the biggest guy who can throw the hardest, but he’s a gamer.

Photo via Flickr/Navin75

johnny-manziel

14. Johnny Manziel (Cleveland Browns) – $2.06 million average/year

One of the most polarizing players in all of sports, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel might just be the most popular backup in the history of sports. As the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft, Johnny Football has only taken 12 pro snaps—with most of them coming last week against the Buffalo Bills—and was even in the discussion to take over the starting reins the following game. As it stands, he got passed over, yet still makes over $1 million more than the incumbent starter, Brian Hoyer.

Photo via Screen Grab

Charlie-Whitehurst

13. Charlie Whitehurst (Tennessee Titans) – $2.12 million average/year

Having started more than a few games in his career—even taking the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs a few years ago—Charlie Whitehurst is one of the most prepared backup quarterbacks in the league. While his salary might be pretty steep at over $2 million per season on average, he seems to be worth it, as he’s accustomed to stepping in right away and, typically, performing decently.

Photo via Flickr/Hawk Blogger

EJ-Manuel

12. EJ Manuel (Buffalo Bills) – $2.22 million average/year

A first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills were always under scrutiny for taking former Florida State signal-caller EJ Manuel as high as they did—which was 16th overall. And, unfortunately, for the player, he was never able to overcome the pressure and expectations, as he had a quick hook to hold the clipboard. Losing the starting job in 2014, Manuel might make solid money, but he would most definitely rather be playing than standing on the sideline to earn it.

Photo via Flickr/Zennie Abraham

Christian-Ponder

11. Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) – $2.53 million average/year

Like the aforementioned EJ Manuel, Minnesota Vikings backup Christian Ponder was a criticized player coming out of Florida State who was looked at has having some flaws in his game. Still, he was taken in the first-round and was unable to come through as a consistent starter. Getting paid just over $2.5 million on average, Ponder might not be the franchise savior the Vikes thought he would be when the chose him, but he’s not killing their salary cap, either.

Photo via Flickr/Seminoles.com

Blaine-Gabbert

10. Blaine Gabbert (San Francisco 49ers) – $3 million average/year

Also a former first-rounder, Blaine Gabbert had a dismal beginning to his career for the Jacksonville Jaguars, unable to do anything of significance to help take the Jags from cellar dwellers. Since leaving the team, Gabbert has found a new home with the San Francisco 49ers, where he’s backing up star signal-caller Colin Kaepernick. While he doesn’t presume to get into a game soon, he’s still making really good money to just listen to what plays are called and run the scout team.

Photo via Flickr/nashboro

Jake-Locker

9. Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans) – $3.14 million average/year

Prior to Jake Locker staying an additional year at the University of Washington a few years ago, this guy was being talked about as a potential No. 1 overall pick. Boy, have things changed since, though. Failing to stay healthy, Locker has bounced back-and-forth between starting and on the injury report, stunting his growth as a pro. Thanks to his rookie deal, though, he still makes a healthy $3.14 million on average.

Photo via Flickr/Brian Hill

Chase-Daniel

8. Chase Daniel (Kansas City Chiefs) – $3.33 million average/year

A solid quarterback for the University of Missouri, Chase Daniel hasn’t done much since entering the NFL a few years ago—well, other than hold a clipboard and give signals to the starter. He first backed up Drew Brees in New Orleans for a couple seasons and now finds himself behind Alex Smith in Kansas City, where he’s been able to pull in some good money for not having to take the hits that the guy’s ahead of him on the depth chart have to.

Photo via Flickr/*Jimmy

Matt-Hasselbeck

7. Matt Hasselbeck (Indianapolis Colts) – $3.62 million average/year

A former Pro Bowler and conference champion, Matt Hasselbeck has seemingly seen it all in the NFL. So it’s no surprise that the Indianapolis Colts called upon him to help make their franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, in his development to a superstar, providing guidance to the third-year pro. It seems to have worked thus far, as Luck is enjoying a breakout 2014 season, making the $3.62 million the Colts pay Hasselbeck well worth it.

Photo via Flickr/tbirdshockeyfan

Michael-Vick

6. Michael Vick (New York Jets) – $4 million average/year

One of the most dynamic players in the history of the league, former No. 1 overall pick Michael Vick still has skills, but, unfortunately, is in a situation where he’s not needed to put them on display. Playing for a New York Jets team that is irrelevant, the team has chosen to ride out current starter Geno Smith to help them evaluate the position for next season rather than put Vick in games. Brought in to help mentor Smith and, possibly, start a few games—which he has done—Vick is getting paid $4 million this year to spread words of wisdom to his younger teammates.

Photo via Flickr/14593271@N06

Chad-Henne

5. Chad Henne (Jacksonville Jaguars) – $4 million average/year

A former starter for both the Miami Dolphins and his current squad, the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s not too surprising to see Chad Henne high on this list and earning $4 million on average per season. Although Henne hasn’t shown enough to distinguish himself as a reliable starter in this league, he is someone who can be trusted to step in to help stabilize an offense if called upon. And with a young team like the Jags, his salary is actually a bargain, in my opinion.

Photo via Screen Grab

Matt-Moore

4. Matt Moore (Miami Dolphins) – $4 million average/year

Like a few others on this list, Matt Moore of the Miami Dolphins has been given the chance to start a few games in spots, but hasn’t been able to establish himself as much more than just a backup. Seeing how he’s on a team in Miami that appears to be on the rise, while earning $4 million on average, I’m sure he’s not too upset about the position he’s in. Of course, he would rather be starting, but it could be much worse for him—especially since he’s considered to be one of the most talented backups in the game, which may lead to him getting another chance to start elsewhere should Miami trade him.

Photo via Screen Grab

matt-cassel

3. Matt Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) – $5.25 million average/year

Back in 2008 when Tom Brady went down with a knee injury, backup Matt Cassel—who hadn’t started a game since high school—came in and helped the New England Patriots do the one thing they always seemed to to; win. Thanks to his breakout campaign, Cassel put himself in position to become a highly coveted player, earning a big contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, though, he hasn’t been as great, falling to backup duty. Still, with his contract still intact, the guy does earn a hefty $5.25 million on average, which is a nice little paycheck.

Photo via Screen Grab

Robert-Griffin-III

2. Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins) – $5.27 million average/year

Just pulled from the starting lineup a few weeks ago, Robert Griffin III has really fallen on hard times, hasn’t he? I mean, this guy was the Offensive Rookie of the Year just a couple seasons ago and looked at as the next dual-threat quarterback in the league. But because he’s been unable to stay healthy or put up consistent numbers, RG3 has fallen out of good graces in D.C., with his future with the team up in the air. Due to his rookie deal, though, he’s still making $5.27 million, which is, obviously, starter’s money, but not anything that’s preposterous by any means.

Photo via Flickr/14593271@N06_1

Matt-Schaub-texans-warmup

1. Matt Schaub (Oakland Raiders) – $6.75 million average/year

While a lot of these guys were either busts from the draft and are still on their rookie deals or have proven to accept the role of being a backup, the Oakland Raiders’ Matt Schaub is anything but. Signed to a deal prior to the 2014 season to become the starter, Schaub lost that role to rookie David Carr, suffering from both injury and inconsistency. So while a lot of these guys’ salaries can be justified, seeing the Raiders pay $6.75 million per year has to be a bit depressing—unless you’re Schaub, of course, who has really fallen off from his Pro Bowl seasons of a few years ago.

Photo via Flickr/vivi1867

Written by Nick Dimengo

Graduate of the University of Kentucky. Cleveland sports fan. Frustrated respecter of LeBron James. Influencer of bad ideas. In addition to Worthly/Housely, I'm a regular contributor to Bleacher Report, Scout, Esquire and Maxim, and run or bike way too much for my own good when not writing. The day a Cleveland sports team wins a title is the day I can officially say my life is complete.