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The Steelers had questions to resolve for the 2016 season within their depth chart situation of quarterbacks behind Ben Roethlisberger, but more clarity comes today after it is revealed that Pittsburgh will re-sign Bruce Gradkowski to a one year deal.
Steelers are bringing back quarterback Bruce Gradkowski on a one-year deal, according to a source. Gradkowski... https://t.co/sgc8WTg9hm
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 1, 2016
I'm reporting that @Steelers are re-signing QB @bgradkowski5 on Monday. He'll compete with Landry Jones at backup. @SiriusXMNFL @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) May 1, 2016
Based on the information from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Fox Sports' Alex Marvez, Gradkowski will be given the opportunity to regain the spot of backup quarterback for Pittsburgh after spending all of the 2015 season on the injured reserve list from an injury against the Green Bay Packers during preseason.
Gradkowski's top competition will be Landry Jones, a fourth year quarterback that saw playing time throughout 2015 due to several injuries to Pittsburgh's quarterbacks in Gradkowski, Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick. Jones had high moments with two touchdown passes to Martavis Bryant in a big win over the Arizona Cardinals as well as a long pass to Antonio Brown that clinched a victory over the Oakland Raiders, but plenty of disappointing moments that included an interception in the wild card round against the Cincinnati Bengals that almost ended Pittsburgh's season.
Ironically, Gradkowski's last playing time in a game that mattered was also in a wild card playoff game, but against the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 when he led the Steelers into the red zone towards the end of the game.
The quarterback battle will be one of the minute aspects to pay attention to in camp, but it could be telling for the future of a quarterback in his thirties in Gradkowski to see if he can keep what might be his last job in the NFL, or if it's Jones who will be looking for a new team after his rookie contract is up.