5 times NFL teams turned their backs on their franchise QB in favor of a new player

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

#3 San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana to Steve Young

Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Joe Montana
Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Joe Montana

Joe Montana had one of the greatest careers of any quarterback in NFL history, winning four Super Bowl rings. The San Francisco 49ers also had Steve Young, who was a superstar in college and the USFL, as Montana's back-up

When Montana got injured prior to the 1991 season, Young took over as the starter.

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Montana wanted his starting job back when he returned to full fitness, but the 49ers decided to stick with Young. Montana moved to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Young won two NFL MVP awards and another Super Bowl ring for the 49ers.


#2 Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo to Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott and Tony Romo
Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott and Tony Romo

Tony Romo is the Dallas Cowboys' all-time leading passer in many categories, but was never able to lead them to a Super Bowl win.

The Cowboys selected Dak Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft to be Romo's back-up and potentially develop into a starter a few years down the road.

When Romo got injured, Prescott was forced to step up into the starting role in his rookie season. He seized the opportunity, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record while being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

As Romo recovered from his injury, the Cowboys informed him they would be sticking with Prescott moving forward.


#1 New England Patriots, Drew Bledsoe to Tom Brady

Quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady
Quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady

Drew Bledsoe was one of the greatest quarterbacks in New England Patriots history and one of the best quarterbacks in the league during his prime. He led the league in passing yards during the 1994 season and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl during the 1996 season.

He signed a massive contract prior to the start of the 2001 season, but was injured in Week 2.

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The Patriots turned to his replacement, Tom Brady, a sixth-round draft pick who was never really projected to be the starting quarterback. Brady immediately impressed and the Patriots informed Bledsoe that the change in guard would be permanent.

Brady won six Super Bowl rings with the Patriots before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he added another title to his collection.

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