Steelers Free Agency 2013: Bruce Gradkowski signs 3 year deal
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be making many flashy moves now that free agency has begun, but that can’t stop them from filling some holes along the way.
One of those holes that needed to be plugged is the backup quarterback spot, as the Steelers simply couldn’t go any further with both Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch behind Ben Roethlisberger.
It appears that the Steelers have quickly addressed the situation as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Steelers have come to terms with Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski on a three-year deal.
Steelers reached agreement on a three-year deal with former Bengals QB Bruce Gradkowski.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2013
August 16, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (7) drops back to pass during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Bengals beat the Falcons 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The 30-year old Seton La Salle graduate is an ideal fit as the No. 2 quarterback as he has both experience as a backup and a starter.
Gradkowski only has a 6-14 record as a starter, but has managed six fourth-quarter comebacks over his career. He is a tough quarterback who can move around the pocket and implement a short passing attack, which would fit in nicely with the Steelers.
He boasts only a 52.9 career completion percentage and 21 touchdowns to 24 interceptions. But he would represent an upgrade over both Leftwich and Batch, neither of which are currently under contract.
Gradkowski’s signing likely means that the Steelers will move on from both veteran quarterbacks, but if they keep one as the No. 3 signal caller, it will most likely be Batch, who could be had for the league minimum.
Gradkowski spent the past two seasons as Andy Dalton’s backup in Cincinnati. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2006 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Keep checking back to City of Champions Sports for updates on all of the wheeling’s and dealings of free agency.