Legendary NFL agent discusses why backup quarterbacks are 'arguably the second most valuable player' on a team

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The 2023 NFL season saw a high number of backup quarterbacks take over, either because of injuries or lackluster performances. 

Now, two teams in the hunt for a Super Bowl title will be led by backup quarterbacks in the playoffs.

But the rise of second- and third-string quarterbacks taking over isn’t just a trend. 

George Pickens (14) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammates Mason Rudolph (2) and Allen Robinson II (11) during the third quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh.  (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

According to legendary NFL agent Leigh Steinberg, the backup quarterback spot is a position NFL teams should seriously consider investing in moving forward. 

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"Given the critical nature of the quarterback position and the need for teams to have a franchise quarterback as a starter — someone you can build around for 10 to 12 years, who you can win because of and who, in critical situations, can elevate his level of play — arguably, the second most valuable player on a team's roster is the backup quarterback," he told Fox News Digital in an interview this week.

At least 66 different quarterbacks have started in an NFL game this season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That's just two fewer than last season’s 68, which was the highest of any non-strike season. 

That’s a telling figure, according to Steinberg. 

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"That tells you that it is almost inevitable that, at some point or another,