What Is the Average Backup QB Salary in the NFL?
The average backup quarterback salary in the NFL is approximately $4 million to $8 million per year, depending on experience and contract structure. The median salary for a backup quarterback is around $5 million, which is significantly lower than the starting quarterback average of $35 million to $40 million. Backup QBs on rookie deals or minimum contracts may earn as little as $1 million to $3 million, while veterans with larger roles can command $10 million to $15 million annually. The salary cap implications for teams carrying a backup quarterback typically range from 2% to 5% of the total cap space. For more detailed breakdowns of NFL salary structures, see the official NFL salary cap information on the NFL.com page.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers often carry backup quarterbacks with salaries reflecting their specific roster needs and cap situations. The backup QB salary in 2024 shows a wide range, with some teams opting for veteran minimum contracts while others invest in former starters. The league minimum salary for a player with less than one year of experience was $705,000 in 2024, but backup QBs typically earn more due to their experience level. The average backup quarterback salary has increased by approximately 12% over the past five years, driven by the premium placed on quarterback play in the NFL.
Highest Paid Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL
The highest paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL earn salaries comparable to some starting quarterbacks on other teams. Players like Josh Allen's backup and other veteran backups on contending teams can earn $15 million to $25 million per year. These high salaries often result from veteran minimum deals with significant incentives or trade packages that include salary retention. The backup QB salary for a former starter who lost their starting job but still commands a premium is typically 60% to 80% of their previous starting salary. For current contract details, the NFL Players Association provides contract transparency resources.
Teams with elite backup quarterbacks often see their backup QB salary figures exceed the average starting salary of many other positions on the roster. The Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens have been known to pay their backup quarterbacks above the league average for the position. These high salaries reflect the strategic value of having a quarterback who can step in and win games immediately. The backup quarterback salary in the top 10 highest paid backups averages around $18 million annually, with some exceeding $20 million per year.
Notable Backup QB Contracts and Earnings
Specific contract structures for backup quarterbacks often include large signing bonuses and guaranteed money. A backup quarterback with a $20 million guaranteed contract might have a base salary of $5 million with the rest coming from bonuses and incentives. The backup QB salary for players like Tom Brady in his later backup roles or other veteran backups shows how teams value immediate game-day readiness. These contracts often include performance bonuses tied to wins, passing yards, or touchdown passes that can significantly increase the total compensation.
How Backup QB Salaries Compare to Other Positions
Backup quarterback salaries are generally higher than backup players at any other position in the NFL. The average backup running back salary is around $1.5 million to $3 million, while backup wide receivers earn $2 million to $5 million. The premium for quarterback play, even as a backup, reflects the position's unique impact on game outcomes and team success. This salary disparity is most pronounced when comparing backup QBs to backup offensive linemen or defensive backs.
Factors That Determine Backup QB Salary
The primary factors determining a backup quarterback salary include prior starting experience, remaining contract years, and the team's current cap space. A backup quarterback coming off a starting contract will earn significantly more than a rookie backup or a career backup. The backup QB