5 Quarterbacks Who Thrived on a New Team (And 5 Who Completely Fell Apart)
NFL quarterbacks face enormous pressure when switching teams. There are several factors that determine their success or failure; a great scheme fit, strong offensive weapons, and solid coaching can turn a good quarterback into a champion. And if it’s the other way around, it can derail even the most talented passers.
Here’s a look at five quarterbacks who thrived after changing teams—and five whose careers took a turn for the worse.
Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams
Twelve seasons with zero playoff wins. Stafford gave everything to the Lions, but Detroit never built a winner around him. In 2021, he got his shot with the Rams, and he didn’t waste it. He threw for 4,886 yards and 41 touchdowns, then delivered a Super Bowl win in his first season. It turns out he wasn’t the problem in Detroit.
Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady leaving New England felt like the end of an era. Instead, it was the start of another championship run. At 43, he joined Tampa Bay, threw 40 touchdowns, and led the Bucs to a Super Bowl in his first year. The "system quarterback" debate ended that day because it was always Brady.
Peyton Manning – Denver Broncos
The Colts moved on after Manning’s neck injury, which cost him the entire 2011 season. Many doubted he’d ever be the same, but he proved them wrong immediately. In Denver, he won MVP in 2013 with a record 55 touchdown passes and finished with a Super Bowl win in 2015. His comeback was legendary.
Brett Favre – Minnesota Vikings
Favre’s Green Bay’s New York Jets stint was forgettable, and he made a messy exit. But in 2009, he found magic in Minnesota. At 40, he led the Vikings to a 12-4 record and the NFC Championship. He threw 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
Jim Plunkett – Oakland Raiders
Plunkett’s early career was brutal with the Patriots, and the 49ers gave up on him. It looked like his days as a starter were over. But then the Raiders took a chance. He rewarded them with two Super Bowl wins, including an MVP performance in Super Bowl XV.
Elvis Grbac – Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore had just won a Super Bowl with a dominant defense. They signed Grbac in 2001, hoping for a quarterback upgrade. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disaster. He threw more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (15) and never fit the system. After one miserable season, he retired.
Jeff George – Washington Redskins
For a guy known for deep passes, George’s career fell off a cliff fast. He always had an arm, but he never had a home. Washington expected fireworks when they gave him a shot in 2000. Instead, he clashed with coaches and struggled on the field. By Week 2 of the 2001 season, he was out.
Sam Bradford – Minnesota Vikings
Bradford’s talent was never in question. His health was just another story. The Vikings traded for him in 2016 after Teddy Bridgewater’s injury, and he started hot. He even set an NFL record for completion percentage. Then the injuries hit again. By 2017, he was sidelined, and the Vikings moved on.
Deshaun Watson – Cleveland Browns
The Browns went all-in on Watson and even gave him a $230 million guaranteed contract in 2022. So far, it’s been a disaster. Injuries, off-field controversies, and a 59.8% completion rate have made this one of the most questionable trades in recent memory. Cleveland wanted a franchise savior. They got a massive question mark.
Josh Rosen – Everywhere
Rosen was drafted 10th overall in 2018 and immediately declared that nine teams had made a mistake. Then, he became one of the biggest busts in NFL history. He lost his job in Arizona after one season, bounced between five more teams, and never found his footing. The NFL moved on quickly.
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