Leigh Steinberg Warns of Quarterback Injuries Impacting NFL Teams

Amid a surge of injuries to quarterbacks, legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg warns that NFL teams lacking multiple backup options risk compromising their seasons and Super Bowl aspirations. By Week 3, five starting quarterbacks have sustained injuries, including New York Giants star Jaxson Dart, who will miss the rest of the regular season. Steinberg emphasizes that it is crucial for teams to have various options available.

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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,

said Steinberg in a recent interview with OutKick. He highlights the risk faced by teams carrying only two quarterbacks, like the Giants who had Dart and Jameis Winston. Without another quarterback on the active roster, they risk further issues if Winston also gets injured.

Now, with Dart out, the Giants must urgently find a reliable player to back up Winston. Steinberg explains that the salary cap challenges teams’ ability to heavily invest in backup quarterbacks due to the rising salaries of starting quarterbacks. Nonetheless, he cautions teams against insufficient backup depth, leaving them exposed.

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

Steinberg said.

Rules established to protect quarterbacks, notably the 2018 restriction on defenders landing with full body weight, have aimed to improve safety. However, Steinberg argues quarterbacks remain naturally vulnerable given their role, despite these efforts.

He points out the broader impact of quarterback injuries, noting their celebrity status likened to movie stars, and the significant following they uphold within American culture. Such injuries can adversely affect viewership, he warns.

Steinberg acknowledges the steps taken by the NFL to better protect quarterbacks, though he remarks that fans may not notice the tighter regulations due to ongoing injuries.

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,

Steinberg said.

I’m all for the most vigorous protections while retaining the competitive aspect of the game.

Steinberg has represented several high-profile clients over his distinguished career, including Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and Ben Roethlisberger. His influence within the sports agent industry remains substantial.