Competition opens for Bengals backup QB job, vacated when Gradkowski left for Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson drops back to pass during the team's NFL football organized team activities, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael E. Keating) (The Associated Press)

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback John Skelton (9) passes as backup quarterback Zac Robinson, left, and starter Andy Dalton (14) participate in a drill during the team's NFL football organized team activities, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael E. Keating) (The Associated Press)

CINCINNATI – The Bengals have opened the competition for the backup quarterback job, one of the few notable spots that are open on the roster.

The job opened when Bruce Gradkowski left for Pittsburgh after spending two seasons in Cincinnati backing up Andy Dalton. Rather than picking one guy to replace him, the Bengals have decided to hold a competition.

They signed former Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Johnson and claimed John Skelton off waivers from the Cardinals. Zac Robinson also was part of an offseason workout on Tuesday.

Dalton has been durable during his two seasons in Cincinnati. He missed the second half of a game in Cleveland during his rookie season because of injury, but has started all 34 games in the last two years, including a pair of playoff losses.