Another Pittsburgh Steelers unrestricted free agent has been re-signed as it was announced on Monday that veteran quarterback Charlie Batch will return on a one-year contract. The financial details have not been released but the contract is believed to be a veteran qualifying contract with a base salary of $925,000. The signing bonus is likely no greater than $65,000 and that means the reduced salary cap hit on Batch will likely be between $540,000 and $605,000 depending on the bonus given.
Batch was originally signed by the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in 2002. Last season he completed 15 of 24 passes for 208 yards in limited action to go along with 1 interception. He made one start last season against the St. Louis Rams in place of an injured Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers still could decide to also bring back veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich, who is also an unrestricted free agent, at some point during the offseason.
The signing of Batch means the Steelers now have four quarterbacks signed to the offseason roster as Troy Smith and Jerrod Johnson were signed following the end of the 2011 season.
