Veteran sports agent Leigh Steinberg believes that NFL teams without multiple backup quarterbacks risk jeopardizing their Super Bowl ambitions. As the league approached Week 3 of the season, injuries afflicted five starting quarterbacks, including New York Giants’ Jaxson Dart, sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.
Steinberg emphasized the importance of having multiple quarterback options due to the rash of injuries at this crucial position. He stated, “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.”
An incident illustrating the importance of having sufficient backup options occurred recently. Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders was carted off the field due to injury in a game against the Dallas Cowboys. Similarly, the Giants were left vulnerable when their backup, Jameis Winston, was one injury away from being the sole quarterback on the roster following Dart’s absence.
Steinberg pointed out the challenges posed by the salary cap, making investment in backup quarterbacks difficult. With escalating starting quarterback salaries, teams struggle to acquire quality backups but face significant risk by not doing so.
The addition of bigger and stronger defensive players increases the chances of quarterbacks being inflicted with harm. Despite protective regulations, quarterbacks continue to be vulnerable due to inherent risks associated with their role.
Steinberg noted that an injury to a key quarterback not only adversely impacts a team’s season but also affects the NFL viewership. These athletes hold celebrity status akin to movie stars, making their health pivotal to maintaining fan interest.
Although protective rules and procedures like those implemented in 2018, restricting defenders from fully landing on quarterbacks, aim to shield players, Steinberg expressed that fans might not perceive these adjustments due to ongoing injuries. He remarked, “Football purists argue that added protections remove the toughness from the game,” but he advocates for balancing vigorous safety measures with maintaining competitive edge.
Steinberg, inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame, represents a host of renowned athletes, including Steve Bartkowski, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and many others.