Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has missed significant game time in two of the last three seasons, but the franchise has officially secured at least one insurance policy. The team agreed to terms with fourth-round pick Landry Jones on Thursday.
Steelers sign rookie QB Landry Jones to 4-year deal
Pittsburgh has come to terms with their 4th-round pick. How does Jones fit into the long-term plan?
Justin K. Aller
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Drafted out of Oklahoma, Jones started 50 games for the Sooners and finished his career with 16,646 yards and 123 touchdowns, the most in school or conference history. While some viewed Jones as a surefire first-round pick during his tenure at Oklahoma, others had concerns about whether his skills would translate well to the NFL.
He ended up falling to the fourth round, where Pittsburgh may have gotten a steal for a highly decorated college quarterback. Or like many other college stars, he may not have a long-term future in the NFL. But he’s certainly got an opportunity with the Steelers, a team that has found themselves starting some unexpected names over the last few years.
Veteran Charlie Batch, 38, started two games for the Steelers last season, while Byron Leftwich came in for one game. Dennis Dixon, a fifth-round pick in 2008, started two games for Pittsburgh back in 2010, when Roethlisberger missed four games due to suspension. Now, perhaps Jones can provide a real long-term insurance policy for Roethlisberger.
He'll be competing for practice snaps against veterans Bruce Gradkowski and John Parker Wilson.
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