FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots have signed veteran quarterback Jim Miller to compete for the backup spot behind Tom Brady.

Miller and the newly signed Kurt Kittner join Rohan Davey and Kliff Kingsbury in the competition for the No. 2 slot.

Miller, a 10-year veteran, missed last season because of a shoulder injury and had surgery on his right shoulder in February.

He won’t be ready until Sept. 1 at the earliest, according to his agent, Joe Linta.

“Jim’s excited to be in a great organization,” Linta said. “He had a great meeting with (offensive coordinator) Charlie Weis and felt comfortable with his offense. He’s looking forward to being part of the program. They were looking for a veteran quarterback who can step in and win games for them, and Jim’s done that.”

Miller has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His best season was 2001 with Chicago, when threw for 2,299 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bears went 13-3.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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