NFL Teams Risk Their Seasons Without Adequate Quarterback Backup Options

Legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg warns that NFL teams failing to maintain multiple backup quarterbacks are jeopardizing their seasons and Super Bowl aspirations. Entering Week 3, five starting quarterbacks have suffered injuries, including New York Giants star Jaxson Dart, who is out for the regular season. Steinberg emphasizes the critical need for teams to have several quarterback options due to the increased incidence of injuries at this vital position.

Steinberg stated, “It’s a real problem, which is why I always think that teams that don’t keep three quarterbacks are making a mistake, because the likelihood is that the starting quarterback will be hurt at some point.”

In a recent example, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders was carted off the field following an injury against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Giants, with only two quarterbacks on their roster, including backup Jameis Winston, were vulnerable. Had Winston been injured following Dart’s injury on Monday, the Giants would lack an active roster quarterback.

According to Steinberg, salary cap constraints make it difficult for teams to invest substantially in backup quarterbacks, as starting quarterback salaries continue to rise. Yet, he cautions that teams with insufficient quality backups face significant risks.

“You have bigger, stronger defensive players on the line who can inflict all sorts of harm on the quarterback,” Steinberg noted. “The position starts with that player, so all the action coalesces around him, and there’s just more opportunity to get hit and hurt.”

Despite protective rules introduced by the NFL to safeguard quarterbacks, especially the 2018 restriction on defenders landing on quarterbacks with full body weight, Steinberg believes quarterbacks remain inherently vulnerable. He added that injuries to franchise quarterbacks could damage both the team’s season and overall NFL viewership, since quarterbacks are often viewed as high-profile celebrities akin to movie stars.

Steinberg remarked, “I want you to remember that every time they put in more protective rules and procedures. There’s a hue and cry from football purists that they’re taking the toughness out of the game. I’m all for the most vigorous protections while retaining the competitive aspect of the game.”

Throughout his career, Steinberg has represented numerous high-profile clients across both football and baseball, illustrating his significant influence in the sports industry.