Fewer careers are cushier than that of an NFL backup quarterback. Sure, you may never make as much money as a superstar, but your game days are far less intense. You’ll hold a clipboard, go over plays with the starter and coaches, and maybe come in for mop-up duty at the end of a blowout. Being a backup can often feel like a win-win situation.
If the starter happens to get hurt, the expectations are much lower. You either come in and don’t lead the team to victory – it’s understandable! You’re a backup! – or you play well enough and parlay your performance into a big contract. A perfect example is Nick Foles, who, after replacing an injured Carson Wentz, led the Philadelphia Eagles to back-to-back postseason appearances, including a Super Bowl victory. This showcases the unique opportunity that comes with being a backup quarterback.
Chase Daniel is a prime example of someone who has successfully navigated the waters of being a backup quarterback. The 33-year-old has never really been considered a starter, yet he remains serviceable in a pinch. He recently signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions that could max out at $13.5 million over three seasons. If he remains with the Lions by the end of that contract, he’ll have earned around $50 million in his career!
| Personal Details | Data |
|---|---|
| Name | Chase Daniel |
| Age | 33 |
| Teams Played For | Saints, Chiefs, Eagles, Bears, Lions |
| Contract Value | $13.5 million over three years |
| Career Earnings | $50 million (if on Lions' roster by contract's end) |
Daniel has played for notable teams such as the Saints, Chiefs, Eagles, and Bears, and he’s now joining a Lions team that already has an established starter in Matthew Stafford. This fits right into how Daniel's career has unfolded so far.
Over ten seasons, Daniel has made just five starts, throwing seven touchdown passes in the process. He is one of only two quarterbacks since the 1970 merger to spend ten seasons in the NFL with five or fewer starts. The other is David Humm, in case you need to win a trivia contest later!
In fact, Daniel has thrown only 218 passes over those ten seasons, which includes six years with five or fewer attempts. Yet he has earned about $3.5 million per season. That number will only increase by the end of his latest deal.
Daniel is always ready to step into the game should Stafford get hurt. However, he will be just as content hanging out on the sidelines. It's certainly a comfortable and lucrative way to earn a living!
