No need to pay for “elite” QB to get to Super Bowl

As of today, many NFL franchises are deciding whether to re-sign their QB and/or whether they want  to pursue another potential franchise QB.  It’s tsken as a given that it’s desirable to do whatever it takes to get a Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Big Ben, etc. But the facts show that it’s not necessary and maybe shouldn’t be a priority.

Let’s tske a look at the last 20 Super Bowls and see what percentage began that successful year/ playoffs with a top guy:


2018. Foles N Brady Y
2017  Ryan Y. Brady Y
2016  Manning N. Newton Y
(Peyton Manning played horrible the second half of year - was benched and injured)
2015.   Wilson N. Brady Y
(Wilson still on rookie deal as 3rd round pick)
2014.   Wilson N.  P Manning Y
2013 Flacco N  Kapernick N
(Check press clippings when Flacco said he was elite)
2012 E Manning Y Brady Y
(Manning is barely a top guy - close call)
2011. Rodgers Y. Big Ben Y
2010. P Manning Y Brees Y
2009 Warner N Big Ben Y
(Warner older and play was surprise)
2008. E Manning N Brady Y
(Manning is close call - but generally not respected)
2007. P Manning Y Grossman N
2006. Big Ben N Hasselback N
(Ben -Rookie contract - not expected to be top guy)
2005.  Brady y. McNabb Y
2004. Brady Y Delhomme N
2003 B Johnson N R Gannon N
2002 Brady N Warner Y
(Brady 6rh round backup)
2001  Dilfer N Collins N
2000. Warner N McNair N
(Warner was in Arena league and out of football)
1999. Elway Y Chandler N


So out of 40 QB’s  19 - almost 50% we’re not among the top elite guys you would think you’d need in order to get to a Super Bowl!


And it’s even more skewed toward teams not spending so much on a quarterback because Wilson, Brady, Warner all started out not elite and super cheap and then became so.

Team clearly should use the draft instead of re-signing good QB’s to super large contracts.  Not only that but use your later picks at that.