Steelers Resign Charlie Batch

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Steelers have resigned Charlie Batch. Batch has been a Steelers reserve quarterback since joining the team in 2002.

Charlie Batch had been a unrestricted free agent, but received little interest while on the free agent market. The Steelers coaches and front office think highly of Batch, and wanted him back, but his status had been in some doubt due to the uncertainty surrounding Byron Leftwich.

Leftwich joined the Steelers when Batch was injured in preseason, and had played very well in relief of Ben Roethlisberger in three games this past season. Leftwich sees himself as a starter, and had difficulty finding a team that would give him a chance to complete for a starting job. Barring that possibility, Leftwich was open to returning to the Steelers, and the Steelers wanted him back.

But Leftwich did land in Tampa Bay, and the Steelers signed Batch in short order.

Analysis

This move was highly anticipated. Perhaps the only surprising thing about it is that Batch signed a one year deal.

Does that indicate that the Steelers see Dennis Dixon growing into a potential number two quarterback over the next year?

Perhaps, or perhaps it is simply a reflection of the reality that with age and injuries mounting, Batch status with the Steelers is now year-to-year.

Regardless, Batch is reliable back up quarterback who has delivered when he’s been called on to step on to the field, and is a positive presence both in the locker room and on the sidelines when he is not.

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