Former New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Vick is scheduled to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday with backup Bruce Gradkowski undergoing surgery for a dislocated finger on his left hand.
Vick’s first free-agent visit since playing last season with the Jets could lead to him becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s primary backup. Landry Jones, who took every snap in the preseason opener for the Steelers, is likely to remain on the roster as a third quarterback.
Vick turned 35 in June and is not the same QB on wheels he was entering the league with the Atlanta Falcons. Durability is a concern with Vick, who is still eager to run when the defense affords the opportunity. His most recent chances as a starter, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jets, ended with injuries.
In 2007, Vick and three cohorts were charged with felony dog fighting. He spent nearly 18 months behind bars and eventually was given a shot with the Eagles.
In 2009, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers took a hard look at Vick. Tomlin said the Rooney Family was “dead set” against adding Vick because of his legal issues and the ongoing civil suit at the time against Roethlisberger, who was accused of raping a woman in Georgia.
