PITTSBURGH -- Here's what the signing of Michael Vick means for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Playmaking at backup QB: Bruce Gradkowski, who's on the team's injured reserve list after undergoing hand surgery, was a trusted veteran backup, but he's a career 53 percent passer and didn't look comfortable when returning to recent practices after a shoulder injury. Third-string quarterback Landry Jones has flashed potential but is an uneven performer this camp. Vick is 35 and out of his prime, but he's a 35-year-old-out-of-his-prime playmaker with above-average athleticism and good arm strength. That's more than what the Steelers had before today. If Vick entered a game for an injured Ben Roethlisberger, he could operate the offense at a basic level while making the occasional big play when nothing's there. Make no mistake, Vick was a free agent for a reason. He's not a starting-caliber NFL quarterback anymore. But he's a viable backup. He was the best free-agent option. The Steelers are lucky he was available.

Steelers' biggest challenge is getting Vick ready to play quickly: With Gradkowski missing camp time with that shoulder injury, the Steelers could have signed Vick weeks ago. He wasn't doing anything. Now, they have two weeks to get him ready before he loses practice snaps. Backups get limited reps during the season because teams are game-planning with the first-stringers. Vick is a 12-year veteran who has seen at least some variations of Todd Haley's offense in the past. He can execute a quick passing game. And this offense is loaded with playmakers, so Vick can get the ball in their hands and get out of the way. But don't be surprised if the first week or two is rocky.

Will cold weather be a problem for Vick?: Former Jets coach Rex Ryan has said Vick's play suffers in the cold, and that Vick himself would acknowledge that. Welcome to the AFC North. I'd be curious to see how Vick feels about that notion and how he plans to combat that stigma. Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant are deep threats. They need a quarterback who can get them the ball in a hurry.

The Steelers must feel Jones isn't ready: Jones has gotten a ton of work in three preseason games and has barely completed 50 percent of his passes (49-of-97) with 500 yards, or slightly more than 5 yards per attempt. The former fourth-round pick had a chance to earn the coaches' trust that he could handle the No. 2 quarterback job. He hasn't done that yet.