Steinberg Advocates for Backup Quarterbacks Amid Injuries

With a wave of injuries hitting NFL quarterbacks, famed sports agent Leigh Steinberg believes that teams without multiple backup options could be jeopardizing their seasons and Super Bowl aspirations.

As Week 3 approaches, five starting quarterbacks have already been sidelined, including New York Giants’ Jaxson Dart, who is out for the entire regular season. Steinberg emphasizes the critical need for teams to have several options at the quarterback position given the current injury trends.

In a recent interview, Steinberg pointed out, “It’s a real problem. Teams that don’t maintain a roster with three quarterbacks are making a mistake; it’s likely that the starting quarterback will face an injury at some point.”

He noted that the Giants, having only two quarterbacks—Dart and backup Jameis Winston—are particularly vulnerable. If Winston were to sustain an injury after Dart, the team would have found itself in a dire situation with no active quarterback available.

Now that Dart is injured, the Giants must find a suitable replacement to back up Winston should the need arise. Steinberg highlighted the challenges imposed by tight salary caps, which make it difficult for teams to invest adequately in reliable backup quarterbacks as starting salaries continue to rise. However, he warns that teams that fail to secure solid backups are setting themselves up for potential disaster.

“With bigger, stronger defensive players on the line, the chances of the quarterback getting hurt are higher. All the action centers around the quarterback, increasing the risks,” he stated.

While the NFL has introduced rules aimed at protecting quarterbacks—such as the restrictions placed on defenders landing on them with full force—Steinberg believes the inherent vulnerability of the position remains unchanged.

Injuries to star quarterbacks not only harm the teams but also affect the league as a whole, with Steinberg acknowledging that these players have become cultural icons and their health significantly impacts viewer interest. Despite the NFL’s protective measures, he argues that fans are still witnessing plenty of quarterback injuries.

Steinberg conveyed, “Each time new protective rules emerge, the traditionalists complain about the perceived softness it brings to the game. I support strong protective measures while keeping the competitive spirit intact.”

Having been inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, Steinberg’s career has featured numerous high-profile clients in both football and baseball, including stars like Steve Young and Troy Aikman, showcasing his significant influence in the sports world.