5 Best Quarterbacks Currently Making Less Than Tony Romo

Tony Romo sent shockwaves throughout the NFL on Friday night when it was reported that he inked a record-setting contract extension with CBS. All reports indicate that the deal will pay Romo $17 million annually.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter created more buzz regarding the news when he disclosed that the 39-year-old's "firm" three-year deal could morph into a 10-year contract if the NFL was to extend its rights deal with CBS. That means Romo's extension could eventually surpass $100 million.

The contract's sheer worth got us thinking: who are the top signal callers currently making less than Romo?

5. Andy Dalton

As it pertains to players at the position being ranked below Romo's whopping salary, Dalton's $16 million actually ranks as the richest among qualified gunslingers -- roughly $4.7 less than Cam Newton's $20.76 million income. The Red Rifle is largely berated by analysts, but there's certainly something to be said for assembling a 70-61-2 career record while throwing for 204 touchdowns compared to 118 interceptions.

4. Teddy Bridgewater

It's truly a matter of when in terms of Bridgewater agreeing to a lucrative extension this offseason. However, the New Orleans Saints star backup won't hit the open market until the new league year begins on March 18. As things presently stand, Bridgewater collects $7.25 million annually. That's laughable when you consider that he led the Saints to a 5-0 record in 2019 while filling in for an injured Drew Brees.

3. Deshaun Watson

Shortly after being drafted by the Texans in the first round of the 2017 Draft, Watson inked a four-year, $13.8 million contract with the organization. He'll undoubtedly become one of the richest quarterbacks in the NFL before long. For now, a yearly MVP candidate, Watson will make $3.46 million next season.

2. Lamar Jackson

Jackson's rise to superstardom wasn't unprecedented. What took the NFL by such surprise was the fact that he morphed from an average signal caller into a perennial superstar (and eventual MVP) in just one offseason However, the Ravens dual-threat stud will bank just $2.36 million in 2020, a figure that ranks No. 35 among qualified quarterbacks.

1. Patrick Mahomes

Make no mistake about it: Mahomes will become the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history either this offseason or next. However, as of this writing, the Chiefs superstar is slated to make $4.1 million in 2020, almost $13 million less than what Romo will earn. Mahomes' rookie deal currently sees him ranked No. 30 in terms of wealthiest signal callers heading into next season. Think about the absurdity behind that sentence.