San Francisco 49ers Will Not Pursue Michael Vick

A report came out this morning on ESPN that effectively crosses off a rumored Vick destination. Add the 49ers to the large list of teams who will not be pursuing the dynamic dog-drowning QB (he did not actually drown or kill dogs, but he condoned it). 

ESPN writer John Clayton recently came out with a list of the four most likely destinations for Vick and the 49ers. Three NFC West teams made the list, excluding the Arizona Cardinals.

I had assumed the former Atlanta Falcon would be headed to San Francisco because they are a power running team, and adding a running QB would fit their run first mentality. Long passes always ensue and although Vick is not the most accurate QB, he can still bomb it deep.

Head Coach Mike Singletary went on SIRIUS NFL Radio and said they discussed the topic on multiple occasions and are deciding to stick to the path they are on at QB.

The expected starter at QB is Shaun Hill, who has gone 7-2 for the 49ers in games he has started. He has proven he can manage games effectively, and with the rushing attack taking precedent, could thrive in a Kerry Collins-Tennessee-esque role.

The 49ers also employ mega-bust 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick, QB Alex Smith. During the offseason they signed veteran QB Damon Huard as an insurance policy, and also drafted Nate Davis out of Ball State in the fifth round this year.

Whatever team winds up signing him is going to take a lot of heat. it is obvious the 49ers did not want to deal with the headache, because from a football standpoint the move should be a no-brainer.

Considering this revelation, my new expected destination for Vick is the New England Patriots. He gives them a wildcat option and just adds another dimension to their already loaded roster.

If Tom Brady goes down Vick also gives them the best available option to be had as a backup QB. Dogs aside, if Vick were to hit the open market, he would have made the 100-million-dollar-man, DT Albert Haynesworth, look like he got ripped off.

New England's system has a way of keeping players under control, ala Randy Moss. Vick would be best suited to go where he can be kept under wraps. With all of the hype surrounding New England every year, the additional media attention would be no problem for the Patriots.

All we can do is speculate from this point on.