Vick Signing is Wisest Move of Steelers’ Offseason

The typically reserved Pittsburgh Steelers made some characteristically shrewd moves in terms of player personnel this offseason. The franchise drafted pass rusher Bud Dupree in the first round of the 2015 draft and traded a fifth-round pick for Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Brandon Boykin.

Getting younger and faster on defense was a priority, but the wisest move of the Steelers’ offseason came on offense, and with only a fortnight until the regular season’s opening game. Michael Vick signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on Tuesday, all but ensuring the 35-year-old would end his career in West Pennsylvania.

There’s still plenty to like about the former number one overall pick. Vick isn’t quite the circa-Madden 04 super-scrambler he once was, but he still has ample mobility in and out of the pocket.

The similarities in his game to that of unquestioned starter Ben Roethlisberger should ensure Pittsburgh’s wide receivers don’t notice a big drop off in production should Big Ben have to leave the game.

Arm strength isn’t a must in Todd Haley’s West Coast hybrid offense, but it doesn’t hurt that Vick can still hurl the rock deep downfield.

But the veteran can still “dink-and-dunk” when he needs to, as evidenced by his extremely efficient performance against the Steelers in week 10 last season. Vick went 10/18 for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also running for 39 yards on 8 attempts in the victory.

With Bruce Gradkowski’s lingering injury, the 2015 preseason was supposed to be Landry Jones’ last chance to prove he deserves a spot on this team. While the third-year quarterback out of Oklahoma looked better, no one can say he’s progressed enough to convince the Steelers to keep four quarterbacks on the final roster.

In all respect to Vick, Steeler Nation would be happy if he didn’t take the field for a single meaningful snap this upcoming season. But with a battered offensive line and a quarterback who has already taken his share of punishment, Pittsburgh can be pleased that its’ backup quarterback situation hasn’t been stronger since “Ol’ Reliable” Charlie Batch was in town.