Drew Brees

Forbes.com: Best Quarterbacks for the Buck

New Orleans Saints
Passer Rating: 110.6
Adjusted Rating: 110.3
Salary: $10 million

The Saints’ franchise QB is underpaid no more: he just struck a monster five-year, $100 million deal that kicks in this year. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Best Quarterback... Which NFL quarterbacks gave their teams the most for least last season? We compared 2011 QB salaries to what we’re calling adjusted passer ratings (official passer ratings adjusted for playing time). We passed on any quarterback whose statistical performance was significantly below average (John Skelton, Curtis Painter, Colt McCoy), even if a low salary made for a favorable comparison between production and money. It’s tough to call such a player “best for the buck” if he’s not performing, even if he comes cheap. And to keep things apples to apples, we skipped 2011 draft picks (Andy Dalton, Cam Newton), whose rookie salaries were limited by the NFL’s latest collective bargaining agreement. Salaries are measured by 2011 salary cap hit. (Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Matt Moore Miami Dolphins
Passer Rating: 87.1
Adjusted Rating: 79.6
Salary: $2.5 million

Fourth- year man started 13 games after coming over from the Carolina Panthers, who were breaking in rookie phenom Cam Newton. Threw 16 TDs against nine interception while completing 60% of his passes, all on a backup’s salary. (Marc Serota/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Buffalo Bills
Passer Rating: 79.1
Adjusted Rating: 78.7
Salary: $3.2 million

His new extension nets $59 million over six years, with $24 million guaranteed. Since you’ve heard a million times that Fitzpatrick went to Harvard, we won’t mention that part. (Marc Serota/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Tavaris Jackson Seattle Seahawks
Passer Rating: 79.2
Adjusted Rating: 76.2
Salary: $3.25 million

Got his shot to start in Seattle last year after five years of mostly backing up in Minnesota. Did a decent job (3,091 yards; 60% completion rate) on a modest salary. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers
Passer Rating: 90.7
Adjusted Rating: 90.3
Salary: $5 million

Shook off reputation as 2005 draft bust with a solid 2011 season at age 27. Signed a three-year, $27.5 million extension with $9 million guaranteed. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions
Passer Rating: 97.2
Adjusted Rating: 97.0
Salary: $6.1 million

Top overall pick in 2009 excelled in his first full, healthy season last year, tossing for 5,038 yards and 41 TDs. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
Passer Rating: 102.5
Adjusted Rating: 99.7
Salary: $6.4 million

Romo’s salary climbs soon enough - he’s slated to earn over $16 million annually from 2013 to 2016. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Matt Hasselbeck Tennessee Titans
Passer Rating: 82.4
Adjusted Rating: 79.3
Salary: $5.3 million

Thirteen-year veteran took over at Tennessee after a decade in Seattle, starting all 16 games and throwing for over 3,500 yards. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers
Passer Rating: 122.5
Adjusted Rating: 118.8
Salary: $8.25 million

The six-year, $65 million deal Rodgers signed in 2008 is proving to be a bargain for the Packers. (Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Joe Flacco Baltimore Ravens
Passer Rating: 80.9
Adjusted Rating: 80.8
Salary: $5.75 million

Iron man has gone 44-20 since his rookie season of 2008, starting every game. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Drew Brees New Orleans Saints
Passer Rating: 110.6
Adjusted Rating: 110.3
Salary: $10 million

The Saints’ franchise QB is underpaid no more: he just struck a monster five-year, $100 million deal that kicks in this year. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More From Forbes:
The World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes
Top Phrases Trademarked by Athletes
The Most NFL-Ready BCS Champions

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
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