Leftwich's Signing Good News for Batch

Now that Byron Leftwich has signed with the Bucs, Charlie Batch and the Steelers both need each other.

Pittsburgh needs a veteran backup quarterback since Dennis Dixon is likely not ready to be the team's No. 2 quarterback in 2009. Batch, who has gotten no nibble in free agency, needs a job. Put the two together and it's highly likely that Batch will return for his eighth season as the team's backup quarterback.

If Batch does re-sign, he will add to what's already a remarkable record. Steelers quarterbacks aren't know for their longevity. With seven seasons in Pittsburgh under his belt, a two-year contract would make him a Steeler longer than Kordell Stewart, Neil O'Donnell, Bubby Brister, Mark Malone or any Steelers quarterback since Terry Bradshaw.

Leftwich would have given the Steelers a more talented backup, but by bringing back Batch, Pittsburgh will be turning to someone with extensive experience who knows the Steelers offense as well as the coaching staff. And if he has no ill effects from last year's broken clavicle, he's shown he is still capable of playing well as a fill-in for Ben Roethlisberger.

Now it's just a matter of time to wait until the contract is signed.