Didn't we already do this?

The Raiders signed Aaron Brooks today to a two-year deal for around $5 million. My first thought was that this seems similar to a lot of the Raiders quarterback signings in the last 10 years. A veteran down on his luck, hoping to get a chance to turn things around. Some have worked (Gannon, Hostetler), some haven't (George, Collins), but whatever comes of this the move feels uninspired. The article announcing his signing even says

While there is no denying Brooks' physical tools, some teammates have questioned his leaderships skills and toughness under fire. Quiet by nature, Brooks can be aloof at times and some have perceived that as a lack of passion.

That said, he was arguably the best starting-caliber quarterback still available in the free agent pool and is still young enough to have several productive seasons.

Brooks was basically the only QB left not named Kerry, and with only two quarterbacks under contract, and with only 9 games played combined, the team obviously felt it had a need for a veteran to at least hold down the fort this year.

I like the fact the deal is only two years. That is a decent amount of time to groom either Andrew Walteror potentially Vince Young to take over, but not so long that the team is making a big commitment to Brooks. If that's the team's plan, I'm all for it. If the people running the Raiders feel a young quarterback needs to sit, I'm not going to argue. But after watching Tui sit and never truly getting a chance, I wonder about the team's commitment to young quarterbacks. I though the Collins signing was completely unnecessary and too costly, and prevented the Raiders from developing someone like Tui. Does anyone think the Raiders are better off having played two years behind Collins while only giving Tui limited snaps? Even if Tui bombs, he's cheaper and then at least we know.

New paragraph. Ok, where was I. Basically, if this prevents the Raiders from drafting a quarterback, I wont mind. First round QBs are suspect, and I think the team has other needs. Someone like Haloti Ngata would be great to replace Ted Washington, and in my opinion all good teams start on the lines anyway. But if this is the team's long term plan, especially if it leads to signing another veteran free agent to replace Brooks in two years, I really question whether this was needed. I really want to see the Raiders find a young quarterback of their own, develop him within the system, and lock him up long term. One thing the Raiders have been lacking is stability, though I question whether that can happen until Al Davis dies, as horrible as that sounds.