It would have been weird if the whole day spent debating over whether or not the Steelers should sign Mike Vick ended in an anticlimactic non-signing. So, as expected, the Steelers announced they have signed the 13-year veteran to a one-year contract and placed Bruce Gradkowski on the Reserve/Injured List.
The fact is that the Steelers needed a veteran quarterback on the roster to back up. Bruce Gradkowski had surgery to repair a dislocated finger on his non-throwing hand and is still has problems with his shoulder that kept him out of the majority of training camp.
We all know that Ben Roethlisberger is not going to leave the field as long as all his limbs are still attached, which is proven by the fact that Gradkowski played like three total regular-season snaps since he was signed by the Steelers in 2013.
Landry Jones, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2013 has never been activated for a regular season game and continues to provide uninspiring preseason performances; one right after another.
So, what do the Steelers do here? They bring in a veteran. Someone who can pick up the offense and hopefully never has to be used because that means Roethlisberger has stayed healthy for yet another season. Right now, based on the veteran quarterbacks available, Vick seems to be the best option.
Still, the idea of his signing has brought up some dramatic responses from Steelers fans.
@steelers As a life long Steelers fan I am SICKENED that an upstanding franchise like this lets a DESPICABLE human being play QB for this
— F+R+A+N+K (@IdkFlyersIGuess) August 25, 2015
Vick should be banned from the NFL.
— Shelby (@ShelbyGray_) August 26, 2015
"Vick executed approx. 8 dogs ... hanging, drowning, and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground." #RonMexicohttp://t.co/eN5F3RnYvp
— Benstonium (@Benstonium) August 25, 2015
The Steelers best and most important player loves dogs. This potential Vick signing would be interesting.
— mike vukovcan (@mvukovcan) August 25, 2015
Mike Vick shot, electrocuted, drowned, and hung dogs who didn't perform well in fights! Nobody will ever convince me of accepting this guy!
— X Angry Fan (@theangryfan) August 25, 2015
That’s a lot of hot takes right there. Scorching.
Nationally, if there has been a more polarizing player in the league as far as past off-the-field incidents than Michael Vick it would have to be Ben Roethlisberger. For some people they’ll never be known as anything else besides their past.
Before you burn your Vick jersey because the Steelers have signed him first ask yourself what has Vick done since his return to the league to warrant that kind of reaction? If you’re the type to still hold a grudge against Maurkice Pouncey for wearing a stupid hat five years ago this signing might be hard to swallow.
But, for the rest of us, remember that the Steelers are a 2-14 team without Ben Roethlisberger. If a veteran quarterback can provide some security, than so be it.
Next: Steelers AFC North Preview
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