30 NFL quarterbacks who got better after leaving their first team

25. Brad Johnson

It’s strange to think that Brad Johnson entered the NFL as a third-string quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 1992. The team used a ninth-round pick on the Florida State standout, but this was exactly the case for the future Super Bowl champion.

After making nine appearances over his first two years in the league, Johnson officially made his first NFL start in 1994. Johnson even put up solid numbers during those first two years as a starter, throwing 37 touchdowns with 22 interceptions, while posting a 13-8 record.

With these numbers in mind, Johnson may not be in the same situation as other quarterbacks on this list when it comes to having a rough start to the career. However, since he arguably hit higher levels after leaving the Vikings, it only seemed fair to include him on here.

Following an injury during the 1998 season, Johnson would end up losing the starting job to Randall Cunningham the following year, which led to his trade to the Washington Redskins.

Right away, Johnson made a serious impact on offense for the Redskins. He put together his best NFL season by throwing for 4,005 yards with 24 touchdowns, all while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in the process.

Of course, nothing compares to the 2002 season put together by Johnson, where he did his part to help bring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who he signed with the year before, their first Super Bowl title in franchise history.