The Pittsburgh Steelers have no controversy when it comes to the quarterback position, Ben Roethlisberger has been and is their starter. But every solid starter needs a solid backup, and Pittsburgh lost that in last week's preseason game.
Backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski dislocated a finger in his left hand in their preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. The move made them go hunting for another viable backup, and they found that on Tuesday, signing Michael Vick to a one-year deal.
Pittsburgh placed Gradkowski on the reserve/injured list, and he will miss three to four weeks after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. Landry Jones is the only other full-time quarterback on the roster.
Coach Mike Tomlin was very pleased with the move, outlining Vick's experience and arm strength on the field.
The 35-year-old was a member of the New York Jets last season, backing up Geno Smith. He appeared in 10 games, but only started three. He threw 64 of 121 for 604 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Tomlin also mentioned Vick's unique mobility at the quarterback position. He showed that off in New York, rushing for 153 yards on 26 carries. The Steelers saw Vick's ability up close last season, as he led the Jets to an upset victory in Pittsburgh on November 9th.
Vick last made a Pro Bowl in 2010 as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He threw for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns that season.
The Steelers are well-aware of Vick's off-the-field troubles, including his two-year prison sentence for financing a dogfighting ring. Roethlisberger is known as an advocate for dogs, but when asked about it he responded by saying "this is a locker room, it's about football."
Vick understands the position he signed up for, as there is no quarterback competition in Pittsburgh. He is simply there to back up Big Ben for the 2015 season.
Backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski dislocated a finger in his left hand in their preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. The move made them go hunting for another viable backup, and they found that on Tuesday, signing Michael Vick to a one-year deal.
Pittsburgh placed Gradkowski on the reserve/injured list, and he will miss three to four weeks after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. Landry Jones is the only other full-time quarterback on the roster.
Coach Mike Tomlin was very pleased with the move, outlining Vick's experience and arm strength on the field.
The 35-year-old was a member of the New York Jets last season, backing up Geno Smith. He appeared in 10 games, but only started three. He threw 64 of 121 for 604 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Tomlin also mentioned Vick's unique mobility at the quarterback position. He showed that off in New York, rushing for 153 yards on 26 carries. The Steelers saw Vick's ability up close last season, as he led the Jets to an upset victory in Pittsburgh on November 9th.
Vick last made a Pro Bowl in 2010 as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He threw for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns that season.
The Steelers are well-aware of Vick's off-the-field troubles, including his two-year prison sentence for financing a dogfighting ring. Roethlisberger is known as an advocate for dogs, but when asked about it he responded by saying "this is a locker room, it's about football."
Vick understands the position he signed up for, as there is no quarterback competition in Pittsburgh. He is simply there to back up Big Ben for the 2015 season.
