Mr. Irrelevant is one of the more mean-spirited nicknames for NFL draft picks, but if the shoe fits, it must be worn. NFL players picked last overall in the draft are often practice squad fodder for their generally short careers, but 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is looking to leave his mark, starting in place of an injured Jimmy Garoppolo (and Trey Lance).
There aren't a lot of active Mr. Irrelevants in the NFL now, and the last quarterback to wear the badge -- Chad Kelly from 2017 -- is currently a backup for the Toronto Argonauts behind McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
The longest-tenured Mr. Irrelevant, kicker Ryan Succop, was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009 and is now a kicker for the Buccaneers.
Only four Mr. Irrelevants are currently playing in the NFL, three of whom were drafted in the past three years. Here's a look at who they are and their salaries this season.
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Mr. Irrelevant salaries in 2022
Ryan Succop -- Kansas City Chiefs -- 2009
Drafted by the Chiefs in 2009, Ryan Succop is at this third stop in Tampa Bay. He spent time with the Titans as a bridge.
Succop is in the fourth year of his tenure with the Buccaneers, and he's in the second year of a three-year, $12 million deal.
This season, Succop is making $4 million for the Buccaneers and he's set to be a free agent in 2024.
Tae Crowder -- New York Giants -- 2020
Tae Crowder is a linebacker who is still on the rookie pay scale for the New York Giants. He has gotten some playing time this year, but his production hasn't been particularly high.
In fact, after his playing time has dropped in recent weeks, Crowder publicly complained about his playing time.
Free Me #TheReaper 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Tae Crowder 4️⃣ (@TaeCrowder) December 4, 2022
In the third year of his rookie deal, Crowder is making $913,872 for the Giants. He will be a free agent in 2024, as well.
MORE: How Jimmy Garoppolo's injury impacts 49ers' playoff chances
Grant Stuard -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- 2021
There's less to say about Grant Stuard. He's another linebacker who was taken last overall by the Buccaneers in 2021.
Stuard forced a fumble as a rookie with the Buccaneers, and he's now playing for the Colts. Stuard has seen time on special teams for Indianapolis.
The second-year linebacker is making $825,000 with the Colts this season.
Brock Purdy -- San Francisco 49ers -- 2022
Most recently, there's Brock Purdy, who might have more earning power than everyone on this list combined if things go well for him as a starter in the coming weeks.
Purdy was taken last by the 49ers this year, and injuries to Trey Lance and Garoppolo have forced Purdy into the starting role.
Against the Dolphins, Purdy was 25 of 37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. If he proves to be an effective backup, he could earn a good contract moving forward.
As it is, Purdy is making $724,252 as a rookie, which is determined by the rookie pay scale.
