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The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 18: Quarterback Shaun King #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls an audible during the NFL preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on August 18, 2003 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 18: Quarterback Shaun King #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls an audible during the NFL preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on August 18, 2003 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaun King takes over for Trent Dilfer

This is less about the two players involved in the switch and more above the cascade effect in ended up having down the line. Trent Dilfer was the starter in Tampa Bay for years after being their 1st round pick in 1994. He went to the Pro Bowl in 1997 but had a rather up and down career to that point. Then he was injured in 1999, elevating Shaun King to the starting lineup.

King helped the Buccaneers reach the NFC championship game that year. It was enough of an excuse to convince the team brass to let Dilfer walk in 2000. He ended up signing with the Baltimore Raven where, ironically, he replaced starter Tony Banks midseason and guided them to a championship.

Meanwhile, King made the playoffs again that season but the shine was off the apple at that point. Tampa Bay moved quickly to replace him with veteran Brad Johnson in 2001. He would end up helping them win the Super Bowl a year later.

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