Bills Sign Vince Young

Added on May 11, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Vince Young had to wait a while before finding new employment, but the former number three overall pick is now a Buffalo Bill after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal worth $2 million. Young will add insurance behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, who struggled down the stretch of 2011 after inking a 6-year, $59 million contract last October.

Young was easily the most talented quarterback on the market and sounded pleased to join another roster in a statement released earlier today.

“I am looking forward to playing with the guys and helping where I am needed,” Young said. “I have always respected the Bills organization and I am looking forward to being a part of the team.”

Inconsistency and immaturity have plagued Young all six seasons of his career. His inability to handle adversity and criticism has prevented him from living up to his immense potential. He appeared in six games as an Eagle last season, going 1-2 in three starts while throwing for 866 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

As shaky as his on the field performance was, it was a comment uttered in training camp that followed him the entire season. Upon joining the Eagles free agent bounty last summer, Young described his new cohorts as the “Dream Team,” which the headline-starved media blew up to monstrous proportions, especially when the Birds stumbled out of the gate to finish a mediocre 8-8.

The Bills are committed to Fitzpatrick long-term, although there have been grumblings about whether or not he’s a legit number one signal-caller. In his first six starts of ’11, he tossed 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions; in his final ten starts, he totaled 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Did defenses adjust and steer him away from his strengths? Did he feel the additional pressure of playing under a lucrative contract? Is he capable of taking his game to another level, or have we seen the best he has to offer? The Bills brain-trust hasn’t expressed these concerns publicly and likely never will. However, bringing Young aboard might be a hint they are at the very least covering all the bases should Fitzpatrick regress.

Source: ESPN.com