The NFL’s long history of quarterback failures reveals how poor draft decisions can derail entire franchises and careers.
At a Glance
- Dozens of NFL franchises have suffered setbacks from failed quarterback selections.
- Quarterback busts have cost teams millions in contracts and draft capital.
- Several top-10 picks were released within just a few seasons.
- Poor quarterback play has derailed playoff hopes and coaching tenures.
- Some of the league’s worst performances came on the biggest stages.
Draft picks gone wrong
NFL teams often bet their futures on the right quarterback—yet few positions come with more risk or potential for disaster. From Ryan Leaf in 1998 to Josh Rosen in 2018, history is littered with top draft picks who fell far short of expectations. These players weren’t just underwhelming—they often contributed to years of team dysfunction.
When franchises invest first-round picks and multi-million dollar deals in quarterbacks who can’t perform, the consequences are brutal. Rusty Lisch, for example, completed fewer than 50% of his passes over five seasons, offering a lesson in scouting humility. Meanwhile, Josh Rosen, drafted tenth overall by Arizona, was released after just one season—a move that underscored the steep price of a misfire under center.
Watch a report: Biggest NFL Draft Busts of All Time.
Collapses on the biggest stages
Some quarterback disasters play out slowly over years, while others collapse spectacularly under national scrutiny. Kerry Collins infamously threw four interceptions during Super Bowl XXXV, earning a 7.1 passer rating in one of the most lopsided championship blowouts.
The list extends across every era and almost every franchise. The Carolina Panthers handed Jimmy Clausen the keys only to watch him produce a 1-9 rookie record. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Akili Smith third overall in 1999, only to watch him struggle mightily before exiting the league with just five touchdown passes.
Quarterback busts don’t just damage team records—they shape the narrative of entire seasons, derail coaching careers, and force front offices into desperate resets. For fans, the sting of a misjudged quarterback pick can linger far longer than any one game or season.
