Mark Sanchez is out for the year after shoulder surgery last week, and is certain to be let go by the Jets in the offseason.
Considering Matt Flynn — he of the one career NFL win — just landed yet another gig on Monday, this time with the Bills, it shouldn’t be hard for the man who quarterbacked the Jets to two AFC Championships to find a job if he is deemed to be healthy and is willing to work for backup money.
Sanchez has failed in only one locale while the NFL is littered with mediocre – sometimes horrific – quarterbacks who keep getting recycled.
Here’s a glimpse at the Carousel of (Mostly) Crappy Quarterbacks who are collecting checks from NFL teams:
Matt Flynn
Packers (2008-2011), Seahawks (2012), Raiders (2013), Bills (2013)
One of the great NFL myths, thanks to a three-TD performance in place of Aaron Rodgers in a prime-time loss at New England in 2010 and a 480-yard showing in a meaningless Week 16 game in 2011. Scored big free-agent contract (three years, $26 million) from Seahawks in 2012, then lost starting job to Russell Wilson during the preseason. Joined Bills this week after being beaten out by Terrelle Pryor and cut by Raiders (!). How bad is it in Buffalo? With EJ Manuel ailing and Thad Lewis dinged up, Flynn may actually play soon.
Carson Palmer
Bengals (2004-10), Raiders (2011-12), Cardinals (2013)
One-time franchise QB ranks 31st in league in QB rating this season, with seven TDs and 11 INTs. Cards are averaging 18.5 ppg, third-worst in the NFC.
Matt Cassel
Patriots (2005-08), Chiefs (2009-12), Vikings (2013)
Was in his fourth year as a backup — after serving mostly as the backup in college, behind Matt Leinart at USC — when Tom Brady was hurt in Week 1 of 2008. Led the Patriots to an 11-5 record that was not good enough for the playoffs. Was traded to KC the next year and signed a six-year, $62.7 million contract (gulp). Had a good 2010 (27 TDs-7 INTs), but didn’t come close to giving the Chiefs their money’s worth. Leapfrogged Christian Ponder on the depth chart in Minnesota, but lost 35-10 to the Panthers last week.
Matt Hasselbeck
Packers (1999-2000), Seahawks (2001-2010), Titans (2011-12), Colts (2013)
Was a good starting QB for a long time, and at 38 is serving as a mentor of sorts for Andrew Luck. Not crappy, just ancient.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Rams (2005-06), Bengals (2008), Bills (2009-12), Titans (2013)
Career backup became “the man” in Buffalo and hit a big payday (six years, $59 million) before being booted to make room for EJ Manuel (the 15-27 record from 2010-2012 didn’t help). Now playing for the injured Jake Locker, he finished up a Titans rout of the Jets, but is 0-2 in his starts.
Jason Campbell
Redskins (2006-09), Raiders (2010-11), Bears (2012), Browns (2013)
Has been the starter in Washington and Oakland and, while his stats were middling, those teams couldn’t wait to replace him. Played in three losses in the Bears’ collapse last season. Next in line to start for the Browns with Brandon Weeden playing himself out of a job.
Derek Anderson
Browns (2005-09), Cardinals (2010), Panthers (2011-13)
Parlayed one surprise season – when he led the 2007 Browns to a 10-6 mark and made the Pro Bowl — into an almost decade-long career. In 2008, he lost his starting job to Brady Quinn. Anderson signed a two-year, $7.25 million deal with the Cardinals and was replaced by the immortal Max Hall and John Skelton. Has thrown four passes in 2½ seasons as Cam Newton’s backup in Carolina.
Kyle Orton
Bears (2005-08), Broncos (2009-11), Chiefs (2011), Cowboys (2012-13)
Started five seasons in Chicago and Denver, then in Year Six became the answer to a trivia question: Who is the only NFL starting QB to lose his job to Tim Tebow? Now he’s one Tony Romo hit away from being QB 1 for the Dallas Cowboys.
Other retread QBs (at least three teams) on NFL rosters:
Bruce Gradkowski, Steelers (Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals)
Rex Grossman, Redskins (Bears, Texans)
Shaun Hill, Lions (Vikings, 49ers)
Josh McCown, Bears (Cardinals, Raiders, Panthers, Bears)
Luke McCown, Saints (Browns, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Falcons)
Dan Orlovsky, Buccaneers (Lions, Colts)
Brady Quinn, Jets (Browns, Chiefs)