Will Michael Vick be able to find a new team?
He is expected to be released from prison as early as today or tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. There is no doubt what Vick did was wrong, and he deserves as much criticism and grief for his actions. However, he also deserves a second chance and should be able to play again. Sure, working construction is great, but he’s a professional football player at heart.
The are three different one million dollar questions here. First, will Commissioner Roger Goodell suspend Vick? Yes, he’s been in jail for about two years, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in Goodell’s NFL prison. Many have said that if Vick proves to be remorseful, he won’t serve a suspension.
Second, who is going to want him? Most teams have their starting quarterback on the roster. Yes, even teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns, who are both taking part in quarterback competitions, will say they’re “settled.” Not to mention, what team wants to deal with animal rights activists protesting whenever Vick is at training camp or playing.
Finally, is Michael Vick even close to being his old self? Of course, he’ll be out of shape for a while. Hey, as Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank put it, a diet of “fried chicken and fries” doesn’t help keep you in top physical condition.
It’s also important to remember that Vick wasn’t the most mechanically sound quarterback in the NFL. He was a freakish athlete with an erratic arm but found ways to lead his team and win games. For that reason, it’s going to be difficult for Vick to recapture the magic he once had.
But, hang on a second. Freakish athlete, has some ability to the ball, an can definitely run between the tackles. Sounds like Vick is the perfect wildcat quarterback to me. In fact, he should be running down to Miami to kiss Dolphins’ offensive coordinator Dan Henning for bringing the formation to the NFL. This could definitely help ease him back into the league.
The likelihood of Vick remaining with the Falcons is slim to none. Matt Ryan is their new franchise quarterback, and I think they aren’t interested in making him an option in the wildcat formation. So, where could he wind up?
The 49ers are still a possibility since head coach Mike Singletary has spoken very highly of him. What about the Minnesota Vikings? If Brett Favre doesn’t sign, what’s to say Vick can’t contribute in the wildcat with Sage Rosenfels? The Denver Broncos or Houston Texans might be interested in having him in a back-up or wildcat role as well. You also can’t rule out Al Davis and his Oakland Raiders. Davis likes guys who have spent time in jail.
Today’s NFL is a different one from the one Vick last played in during the 2006 season. Three seasons are enough time for any defensive coordinator to create new exotic blitz packages or coverages. Maybe Vick might be converted to a receiver as a result. Either way, I think Vick will get a chance to play in the league again. Whether or not he can be the old Michael Vick remains to be seen.
