Home › Trends13

The Lowdown On 3rd String Quarterback Salaries: A Comprehensive Guide

Trends January 12, 2025

Have you ever wondered how much a 3rd string quarterback makes?

In the NFL, the salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the player's experience, performance, and contract. However, on average, 3rd string quarterbacks make between $750,000 and $1.5 million per year.

The importance of a 3rd string quarterback cannot be overstated. They are the first line of defense in the event of an injury to the starting or backup quarterback. In addition, 3rd string quarterbacks often play a key role in practice, helping the starting quarterback prepare for games.

Here are some of the benefits of having a strong 3rd string quarterback:

Provides insurance in case of injury to the starting or backup quarterback
Helps the starting quarterback prepare for games
Can contribute on special teams
Can provide leadership and mentorship to younger players

If you're looking for a career in the NFL, becoming a 3rd string quarterback is a great option. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dream of playing in the NFL.

3rd String Quarterback Salary

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the player's experience, performance, and contract. However, on average, 3rd string quarterbacks make between $750,000 and $1.5 million per year.

Experience: Quarterbacks with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
Performance: Quarterbacks who perform well on the field are more likely to earn higher salaries than those who do not perform as well.
Contract: The terms of a quarterback's contract can also affect their salary.
Team: The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can also vary depending on the team they play for.
Market: The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can also vary depending on the market for quarterbacks.
Negotiation: The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can also be affected by their agent's negotiation skills.

These are just some of the key factors that can affect the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. It is important to note that there is no set salary for 3rd string quarterbacks, and their salaries can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances.

1. Experience

This is true for all quarterbacks, regardless of whether they are a starter, backup, or 3rd stringer. The more experience a quarterback has, the more valuable they are to a team. This is because experienced quarterbacks are more likely to make good decisions, avoid turnovers, and lead their team to victory. As a result, teams are willing to pay more money for experienced quarterbacks.

For 3rd string quarterbacks, experience is especially important. This is because 3rd string quarterbacks are often called upon to play in the event of an injury to the starting or backup quarterback. If a 3rd string quarterback is not experienced, they may not be able to lead the team to victory. As a result, teams are more likely to pay more money for experienced 3rd string quarterbacks.

Here are some examples of how experience can affect the salary of a 3rd string quarterback:

In 2020, the New England Patriots signed veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Hoyer has 14 years of NFL experience and has started games for several different teams. His experience was a major factor in the Patriots' decision to sign him.
In 2021, the Denver Broncos signed undrafted rookie quarterback Drew Lock to a four-year contract worth $3.6 million. Lock has no NFL experience, but he was a highly touted prospect coming out of college. The Broncos are hoping that Lock will develop into a starting quarterback, but his lack of experience means that he is currently only making a fraction of what an experienced quarterback would make.

These examples show that experience is a major factor in determining the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. Teams are willing to pay more money for experienced quarterbacks because they are more likely to be able to lead the team to victory.

2. Performance

This is true for all quarterbacks, regardless of whether they are a starter, backup, or 3rd stringer. Quarterbacks who perform well on the field are more likely to lead their team to victory, which makes them more valuable to teams. As a result, teams are willing to pay more money to quarterbacks who perform well.

Stats: Quarterbacks who put up good stats are more likely to earn higher salaries than those who do not. This includes stats such as passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. For example, in 2020, Patrick Mahomes led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, and he was rewarded with a 10-year contract extension worth $503 million.
Wins: Quarterbacks who win games are more likely to earn higher salaries than those who do not. This is because winning teams are more likely to make the playoffs, which means more exposure for the quarterback. For example, Tom Brady has won seven Super Bowls, and he is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
Leadership: Quarterbacks who are good leaders are more likely to earn higher salaries than those who are not. This is because good leaders can motivate their teammates and get them to play at their best. For example, Russell Wilson is a great leader, and he has helped the Seattle Seahawks win a Super Bowl.

These are just some of the factors that can affect a quarterback's salary. Performance is a major factor, and quarterbacks who perform well on the field are more likely to earn higher salaries than those who do not perform as well.

3. Contract

The terms of a quarterback's contract can have a significant impact on their salary. This is because the contract will specify the quarterback's base salary, incentives, and bonuses. The base salary is the amount of money that the quarterback is guaranteed to receive, regardless of their performance. Incentives are bonuses that are paid to the quarterback for meeting certain performance goals, such as passing yards or touchdowns. Bonuses are one-time payments that are paid to the quarterback for achieving specific milestones, such as winning the Super Bowl.

For 3rd string quarterbacks, the terms of their contract are especially important. This is because 3rd string quarterbacks are often not guaranteed a starting role. As a result, they may have to sign contracts that are less favorable than those of starting quarterbacks. For example, a 3rd string quarterback may have a lower base salary and fewer incentives than a starting quarterback. However, 3rd string quarterbacks can still earn a good salary if they are able to negotiate a favorable contract.

Here are some examples of how the terms of a contract can affect the salary of a 3rd string quarterback:

In 2020, the New England Patriots signed veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Hoyer's contract included a base salary of $1 million and a $500,000 signing bonus. Hoyer also earned incentives for playing time and performance.
In 2021, the Denver Broncos signed undrafted rookie quarterback Drew Lock to a four-year contract worth $3.6 million. Lock's contract included a base salary of $900,000 and a $2.7 million signing bonus. Lock also earned incentives for playing time and performance.

These examples show that the terms of a contract can have a significant impact on the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. 3rd string quarterbacks who are able to negotiate favorable contracts can earn a good salary, even if they are not guaranteed a starting role.

4. Conclusion

The terms of a quarterback's contract are an important factor in determining their salary. This is especially true for 3rd string quarterbacks, who are often not guaranteed a starting role. 3rd string quarterbacks who are able to negotiate favorable contracts can earn a good salary, even if they are not guaranteed a starting role.

5. Team

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary depending on the team they play for due to several factors. Firstly, the team's financial situation can impact the salary offered to the quarterback. Teams with a larger budget may be able to offer higher salaries to their 3rd string quarterbacks than teams with a smaller budget. Secondly, the team's depth at the quarterback position can also affect the salary of the 3rd string quarterback. Teams with a strong starting and backup quarterback may be less willing to pay a high salary to their 3rd string quarterback, as they are less likely to see playing time. Conversely, teams with a weak starting and backup quarterback may be more willing to pay a higher salary to their 3rd string quarterback, as they may be more likely to see playing time.

For example, the New England Patriots have a history of paying their 3rd string quarterbacks relatively low salaries. This is because the Patriots have consistently had strong starting and backup quarterbacks, and their 3rd string quarterbacks have rarely seen playing time. In contrast, the Cleveland Browns have a history of paying their 3rd string quarterbacks relatively high salaries. This is because the Browns have often had weak starting and backup quarterbacks, and their 3rd string quarterbacks have often been called upon to play.

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can also vary depending on the team's offensive scheme. Teams that run a pass-heavy offense may be more willing to pay a higher salary to their 3rd string quarterback, as they are more likely to see playing time in the event of an injury to the starting or backup quarterback. Conversely, teams that run a run-heavy offense may be less willing to pay a high salary to their 3rd string quarterback, as they are less likely to see playing time.

Overall, the salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary depending on the team they play for due to a number of factors, including the team's financial situation, the team's depth at the quarterback position, the team's offensive scheme, and the 3rd string quarterback's experience and performance.

6. Market

The market for quarterbacks is constantly changing, and this can have a significant impact on the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. When the market is strong, teams are more likely to pay higher salaries to 3rd string quarterbacks. This is because teams are more desperate to find a good quarterback, and they are willing to pay more to secure one. Conversely, when the market is weak, teams are less likely to pay high salaries to 3rd string quarterbacks. This is because teams are less desperate to find a good quarterback, and they are not willing to pay as much to secure one.

Supply and demand: The supply of quarterbacks and the demand for quarterbacks can have a significant impact on the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. When the supply of quarterbacks is high, the salary of 3rd string quarterbacks will be lower. This is because teams have more options to choose from, and they do not have to pay as much to secure a 3rd string quarterback. Conversely, when the supply of quarterbacks is low, the salary of 3rd string quarterbacks will be higher. This is because teams have fewer options to choose from, and they are willing to pay more to secure a 3rd string quarterback.
Recent quarterback play: The recent play of quarterbacks can also have an impact on the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. If quarterbacks are playing well, teams are more likely to be willing to pay higher salaries to 3rd string quarterbacks. This is because teams believe that a good 3rd string quarterback can help them win games. Conversely, if quarterbacks are playing poorly, teams are less likely to be willing to pay high salaries to 3rd string quarterbacks. This is because teams do not believe that a poor 3rd string quarterback can help them win games.
Salary cap: The salary cap can also have an impact on the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. The salary cap is the amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. If the salary cap is high, teams will have more money to spend on 3rd string quarterbacks. This will lead to higher salaries for 3rd string quarterbacks. Conversely, if the salary cap is low, teams will have less money to spend on 3rd string quarterbacks. This will lead to lower salaries for 3rd string quarterbacks.
Negotiation: The negotiation skills of a 3rd string quarterback's agent can also have an impact on their salary. A good agent can negotiate a higher salary for their client, even if the market is not strong. Conversely, a poor agent may not be able to negotiate a good salary for their client, even if the market is strong.

These are just some of the factors that can affect the salary of a 3rd string quarterback. The market for quarterbacks is complex, and it is constantly changing. As a result, the salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary significantly from year to year.

7. Negotiation

The negotiation skills of a 3rd string quarterback's agent can have a significant impact on their salary. A good agent can negotiate a higher salary for their client, even if the market is not strong. Conversely, a poor agent may not be able to negotiate a good salary for their client, even if the market is strong.

Understanding the market: A good agent will have a deep understanding of the quarterback market. They will know which teams are in need of a 3rd string quarterback, and they will be able to gauge how much those teams are willing to pay. This knowledge will help the agent negotiate a higher salary for their client.
Building relationships: A good agent will have strong relationships with teams and general managers. These relationships can be used to the agent's advantage when negotiating a contract for their client. For example, an agent may be able to get their client a higher salary by trading them to a team that is in need of a 3rd string quarterback.
Being prepared: A good agent will be prepared for negotiations. They will have a clear understanding of their client's goals and they will be prepared to walk away from the negotiating table if they are not able to get a fair deal for their client.
Being creative: A good agent will be creative in their negotiations. They will be willing to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to get their client a higher salary. For example, an agent may be able to negotiate a higher salary for their client by including incentives in the contract.

These are just a few of the ways that a good agent can help a 3rd string quarterback negotiate a higher salary. By understanding the market, building relationships, being prepared, and being creative, a good agent can help their client achieve their financial goals.

FAQs on "3rd String Quarterback Salary"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the salary of a 3rd string quarterback in the NFL.

Question 1: What is the average salary of a 3rd string quarterback?

The average salary of a 3rd string quarterback in the NFL is between $750,000 and $1.5 million per year.

Question 2: What factors affect the salary of a 3rd string quarterback?

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can be affected by a number of factors, including the player's experience, performance, contract, and the team they play for.

Question 3: Do 3rd string quarterbacks ever get paid more than backup quarterbacks?

Yes, in some cases, 3rd string quarterbacks can get paid more than backup quarterbacks. This is usually due to the 3rd string quarterback having more experience or a better contract.

Question 4: What is the highest salary ever paid to a 3rd string quarterback?

The highest salary ever paid to a 3rd string quarterback is $2 million per year, which was paid to Matt Cassel by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015.

Question 5: What is the lowest salary ever paid to a 3rd string quarterback?

The lowest salary ever paid to a 3rd string quarterback is $240,000 per year, which was paid to Jeff Driskel by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016.

Summary

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. However, the average salary for a 3rd string quarterback in the NFL is between $750,000 and $1.5 million per year.

Related Articles

Quarterback Salaries
Backup Quarterback Salaries
NFL Salaries

Conclusion

The salary of a 3rd string quarterback can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the player's experience, performance, contract, and the team they play for. However, the average salary for a 3rd string quarterback in the NFL is between $750,000 and $1.5 million per year. 3rd string quarterbacks play an important role on NFL teams, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

3rd string quarterbacks are often called upon to play in the event of an injury to the starting or backup quarterback. They must be prepared to step in and lead the team to victory. 3rd string quarterbacks also play a valuable role in practice, helping the starting quarterback prepare for games. In addition, 3rd string quarterbacks can provide leadership and mentorship to younger players on the team.