The question of who is the lowest-paid quarterback in the NFL often arises among fans tracking salaries, cap space, and team strategy. While star quarterbacks dominate headlines, the league includes signal-callers earning league-minimum who still contribute on Sundays.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the current quarterback pay landscape, supporting analysis, and common reader questions about contracts and value.
| Quarterback | Team | 2024 Base Salary | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Perkins | Detroit Lions | $835,000 | Exclusive Rights |
| Joe Milton | New England Patriots | $760,000 | Rookie |
| Hendon Hooker | Detroit Lions | $950,000 | Rookie |
| Trent Dilfer | Retired | N/A | N/A |
Current Lowest-Paid Starting Quarterbacks
Bryce Perkins and the Lions Signal-Childer
Bryce Perkins enters the 2024 season as one of the lowest-paid quarterbacks on the field, earning a base salary of $835,000 as an exclusive-rights free agent with Detroit. His role has expanded under new leadership, giving him consistent reps and making his affordable contract a key cap decision for the franchise.
Joe Milton and Rookie Economics
Patriots second-year quarterback Joe Milton is another low-salary signal-caller, set to earn $760,000 in his rookie deal. While not yet a starter, his presence on the depth chart keeps him near the bottom of the quarterback salary rankings league-wide.
Quarterback Salary Snapshot
Understanding where quarterbacks sit on the payroll helps explain roster construction and competitive balance. The table above highlights the earners at the very bottom, showing base salary, team, and contract type at a glance.
How Contracts Shape the Lowest-Paid Tier
Exclusive Rights and Team Control
Quarterbacks like Bryce Perkins often fall into the exclusive-rights category, meaning the team controls their rights and can pay them at the league minimum for their experience level. This allows teams to retain local talent without large financial commitments.
Rookie Deals and Incentives
Young quarterbacks such as Joe Milton begin their careers on team-friendly scales with modest guarantees. As they progress, performance bonuses and additional years can elevate their earnings well beyond their initial baseline figures.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Bryce Perkins currently holds the title of lowest-paid experienced quarterback on the field.
- Rookie contracts ensure that second-year players like Joe Milton remain at the lower end of the salary spectrum.
- Exclusive-rights and practice-squad deals keep costs down for teams while preserving depth.
- Injury or breakout performance can quickly change a quarterback’s earning trajectory.
- Cap management plays a critical role in why teams choose to keep salaries at the minimum.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Bryce Perkins truly the lowest-paid quarterback this season?
Based on base salary and active roster status, Bryce Perkins of the Detroit Lions is currently the lowest-paid quarterback among those with significant NFL experience, earning $835,000 in 2024.
Do low-paid quarterbacks ever start during the season?
Yes, circumstances such as injuries or performance can elevate lower-salary quarterbacks into starter roles, as seen with Perkins seeing increased responsibility during the 2023 campaign.
Why does Detroit keep paying Perkins league minimum?
The Lions manage cap space strategically, using Perkins’ exclusive-rights status to maintain flexibility while developing a cost-effective quarterback option behind more expensive veterans.
How do rookie contracts affect the lowest-paid quarterback rankings?
Rookie-scale deals keep young quarterbacks like Joe Milton near the bottom of salary lists until they accrue experience, bonuses, and potential extensions that reshape their market value.