by Nicholas Cicale (@nickcicale)

With all of the contract extensions given out this off season to big time quarterbacks, like Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, Matt Stafford, Aaron Rodgers  and now Matt Ryan, I decided to compare how much the QBs around the league are worth.   (I didn’t taking the rookie wage scale into account)

Tier 1 – The One man show

Smart, accurate and reliable, these QBs are the reason for their team’s success.  It doesn’t seem to matter if there are pieces in place around them, these guys get the job done. Plus, they’ve each won a Super Bowl.

Tom Brady – Three Super Bowl rings in five appearances, and two MVP awards.  The Patriots team has changed a lot since 2000, but Brady’s been a constant, and has altered his approach to the game on countless occasions.  He makes anyone in his offense more explosive, and whether it’s Randy Moss or Danny Woodhead, his offense has carries the team to the post season.

Aaron Rodgers  – Let’s face it.  Rodgers has never had any semblance of a running game behind him, or a defense to hold his leads.  And he’s never had a truly elite receiver to throw the ball to.  In fact, he rarely has the same group of guys on the field on week to the next.  But no matter who they throw out there, they become superstars thanks to Rodgers’ magic.

Drew Brees – Like with the Packers, it’s hard to know if the Saints have good receivers, or if Drew Brees makes them effective players.  Brees was able to keep most of the team intact during his coach’s suspension last year, and it was the defense, not Brees, that let the Saints down.

On the Bubble — Peyton Manning – Peyton’s a little older than the guys above him, and has a lot more in place.  A strong defense.  Three top receivers.  A young running game.  An established offensive line.  It’s not his fault that he has a lot to work with, and I think that he could still push a team on his own, but for the rest of his career he won’t have to.

Tier 2 – The True Franchise Quarterback

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