Title: The Most Disastrous NFL Quarterback Contracts of the Last Decade: Daniel Jones Among the Worst

As the NFL season unfolds, the spotlight has shifted toward the New York Giants, who recently benched their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones. This move signifies the end of an era for Jones, who was signed to a staggering $160 million contract in the 2023 offseason. Given the circumstances, it's time to reflect on some of the most regrettable quarterback contracts of the last ten years—and how Jones fits into this picture.

1. Deshaun Watson: 5 years, $230M ($230M guaranteed) with the Browns in 2022

Watson's tenure in Cleveland has been nothing short of tumultuous. Despite the Browns breaking the bank for him, paying every dollar guaranteed, Watson's on-field performance has been abysmal. With only 19 starts under his belt, he has produced a losing record and completed the season with an alarming passer rating of 80.7. Given the extraordinary financial commitment, the Browns may soon face a harsh reality check, potentially incurring dead-cap hits amounting to $73 million.

2. Daniel Jones: 4 years, $160M ($92M guaranteed) with the Giants in 2023

Once regarded as the future of the Giants, Jones's performances have not reflected his contract. Since signing, he has been a part of just three wins while tossing more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (10). The Giants have effectively spent $82 million in just two seasons—a staggering $27.3 million per victory. At 27 years old, he may have seen his last opportunity as a starter, but the franchise will still owe him $22.2 million if they attempt to part ways in 2025.

3. Russell Wilson: 5 years, $245M ($165M guaranteed) with the Broncos in 2022

Initially a shining star in Seattle, Wilson's transition to Denver has been disastrous, with two consecutive losing seasons. The Broncos have invested nearly $123 million in him, receiving only mediocrity in return—a 90.9 passer rating amidst a struggling offensive scheme. His resurgence in Pittsburgh comes as a bitter reminder of the missed potential in Denver.

4. Aaron Rodgers: 3 years, $150.8M ($102M guaranteed) with the Packers in 2022

Rodgers, once an elite quarterback, simply hasn't delivered the expected results after signing a lucrative extension. His disappointing 2022 season saw him earning $42 million while leading the Packers to lackluster performances and ultimately being traded to the Jets, where expectations remained high.

5. Nick Foles: 4 years, $88M ($50M guaranteed) with the Jaguars in 2019

Foles's big payday came after his Super Bowl heroics with the Eagles, but his stint with Jacksonville saw him earn a shocking $7.6 million for every loss, going 0-4 before being benched in favor of a rookie. His career has since dwindled, and few will remember the Foles who triumphed in the playoffs.

6. Carson Wentz: 4 years, $128M ($107M guaranteed) with the Eagles in 2019

Wentz's trajectory took a downward spiral after an MVP-caliber season in 2017. Despite leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, injuries and inconsistent play marred his career, leading to trades and brief stints with multiple teams. His tenure in Philadelphia left the franchise with over $56 million spent for minimal returns post-2018.

7. Brock Osweiler: 4 years, $72M ($37M guaranteed) with the Texans in 2016

Osweiler's time in Houston serves as a cautionary tale of contracts based on potential rather than proven performance. After a handful of games backing up Peyton Manning, the Texans' investment turned out to be a letdown, as he never lived up to the expectations set upon him.

8. Jimmy Garoppolo: 5 years, $137.5M ($90M guaranteed) with the 49ers in 2018

Garoppolo's success was fleeting. The 49ers quickly moved on after he struggled to stay healthy and was ultimately replaced by a rookie after just a few seasons. Now, he's a backup earning a considerable amount, raising questions about his hefty contract.

9. Dak Prescott: 4 years, $240M ($231M guaranteed) with the Cowboys in 2024

With the highest pay in NFL history, Prescott’s struggles mount as injuries limit his time on the field. As he gears up for a crucial season, his lack of playoff success (just two wins) for multiple years paints a troubling picture for the Cowboys’ future.

In conclusion, the quarterback market is rife with high-stakes gambles that often lead to disappointment. Daniel Jones's recent benching is just the latest example of how monumental contracts can quickly turn into burdens for NFL franchises. As teams continue to invest heavily in quarterbacks, the lessons from these disastrous contracts will resonate for years to come.