Who'll Pick Vick? Part I of II

Once one of the highest-paid and most exciting players in the NFL, Michael Vick tarnished his career by being involved with dog fighting, and was sent to jail prior to the 2007 season.

Now it has been low blow after low blow, and two years later Vick is scheduled to be released from prison on July 20th 2009, and is anticipating a return to the game of football.

The former Falcons quarterback has his work cut out for him, but it is not entirely impossible, just as it is not entirely possible.

First of all, Vick has not played a single down in the NFL since the 2007-2008 season; however, it has been reported that Mike participated in jail yard ball and remained in tip-top shape.

On the other hand, the NFL is known to allow players a second chance, even a third chance, to be reinstated (Adam "Pacman" Jones and Chris Henry just to name a few). But will the Commissioner and the League's Front Office grant such a wish to a player imprisoned for the last 23 months?

Plus, which team will gamble on him? Let's say everything goes Mr. Vick's way and he makes the unimaginable comeback to the NFL; Examining all 32 teams current situations and quarterback issues, lets see who might or might not have the guts to pick Vick.

Lets get the obvious out of the way: the (1) Atlanta Falcons. After Vick abandoned the ATL and left the Falcons with "has-beens" and "one-hit wonders" at the quarterback positions in their dismal 2007-2008 campaign (remember Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich?? Anyone?), it looked as if this franchise was in full rebuild mode.

Then out of nowhere, the "Dirty Birds" drafted a young man out of Boston College named Matt Ryan in the 2008 NFL Draft. Recently Ryan was awarded the "Offensive Rookie of the Year," and led the Falcons into the playoffs for the first time in four years, leaving the city wondering, "Vick who?"

Scale of 0-10 on Vick's return to Atlanta: 0

Most teams in the NFL have already established their "franchise" quarterback before or during Vick's absence. These teams are: (2) Indianapolis Colts; (3) New England Patriots; (4) Pittsburgh Steelers; (5) Denver Broncos; (6) Green Bay Packers; (7) New York Giants; (8) Dallas Cowboys; (9) Arizona Cardinals; (10) San Diego Chargers; (11) Philadelphia Eagles; (12) New Orleans Saints; (13) Buffalo Bills; (14) Cleveland Browns; (15) Washington Redskins; (16) Miami Dolphins; and the (17) Baltimore Ravens.

Although these teams may have their man in place, do not be surprised if one of them either releases or trades their current starting quarterback, or signs Michael Vick to compete for the job, or hands him a clipboard as a backup.

The Colts already have All-Pro/Superbowl Champion Peyton Manning locked behind center for the next several years. Although age is becoming a factor and he has had two knee surgeries this year, Manning is and will always be a much better choice than Michael Vick, hands down.

Scale of 0-10 that Vick will land in Indianapolis: 0

Two words...or four words: Tom Brady/Matt Cassel. There have been rumors in New England that the Patriots will trade one of these quarterbacks. Brady was knocked out for the entire 2008-2009 season in week one. Cassel came in and performed great, but the Pats missed out on the Playoffs for the first time since 2002. The obvious and no-brainer quarterback keeper here is Brady, a 3-Time Superbowl Champion. Cassel, in a contract year, will probably be the odd man out here and most likely land as a starter with another team; that is, if Brady's leg and knee holds up before the season begins.

Scale of 0-10 Vick finds himself in Foxborough: 0

Steeler nation has their own Big Ben: Roethlisberger. This guy is the cornerstone of this franchise for years to come, although he is continuously riddled with injuries, and a promising career was nearly halted when he was involved in a motorcycle accident few years ago. Nevertheless, the Steelers and their fans remain faithful to the 6'5", 240 lb. beast of a quarterback who always seems to bounce back from any type of injury. Michael "Superman" Vick can't break through this "Steel Curtain."

Scale of 0-10 that Vick flies into Pittsburgh: 0

It makes you wonder if the Denver Broncos knew what they were doing in the 2006 NFL Draft by trading up to steal Jay Cutler, who was considered by many the third best quarterback in the class behind Vince Young and Matt Leinart, if not the best. Fast forward to this season and look at where each quarterback is now: Young and Leinart have taken the backseat to veteran QB's, and Cutler—confidently stated that he has a better arm than Broncos All-Time great John Elway—has a bright future ahead of him as Denver's franchise QB.

Scale of 0-10 that Vick needs an oxygen mask at Mile High: 0

The Packers indicated that as soon as Brett Favre hanged it up—or was forced out of Lambeau), that the more fragile Aaron Rodgers would be the first new starting quarterback in Green Bay in more than 16 years ago. Favre had started 260+ (including playoffs) consecutively with the Green Bay Packers; Aaron Rodgers has already missed games due to injury. Maybe this is why they drafted two rookie QB's in the 2008 Draft for insurance, because Rodger's shelf life is beginning to look like moldy cheese. Vick can certainly compete here, with basically three rookies on the roster, and Rodgers durability issues, but the Packers remain committed to Aaron. Plus, do the fans really want the player who gave Brett Favre his first ever home loss in the playoffs, when Vick pulled out an historic win back in January 2003? I think not.

Scale of 0-10 for the chance Vick will do the "Lambeau Leap": 2

If this were two or three years ago, it would make more sense for Vick to take the reigns away from Quarterback Eli Manning and start fresh in New York. Eli's confidence and leadership were in question within the Giants' organization—and the city—for most of his young career. Until Manning miraculously matured during the 2007-2008 season that led the Giants on a huge upset win in the Superbowl against the undefeated New England Patriots. That shot Eli to superstar status in one of the most difficult cities to be an athlete. Something tells me the people of New York wouldn't welcome Vick with open arms.

Scale of 0-10 Vick makes a giant impact on New York: 0

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones believes in giving a troubled player a second chance (Adam "Pacman" Jones, Tank Johnson), and also must love drama in the locker room (Terrell Owens). He also enjoys bringing in players that are at the end of their rope (Zach Thomas) and compete for the biggest trade disappointment of the year (Roy E. Williams). And if that wasn't enough, they have a grinning quarterback in Tony Romo that has a winter meltdown every year and fails to advance in the Playoffs. If this doesn't sound like the perfect paradise for Vick, nothing does.

Scale of 0-10 Jerry Jones begs Vick to join the playhouse: 7

Kurt Warner is like fine wine; he just gets better with age. However, there always comes a time where a player must hang it up at some point—right, Favre?—but the Cardinals drafted Matt Leinart in the 2006 NFL Draft to be the successor...eventually. If "Hollywood" Leinart doesn't make an immediate impact after Warner's departure, depending on if Kurt decides to retire after this year, don't be surprised if Vick comes in to compete for the job.

Scale of 0-10 Vick runs wild in the desert: 4

As with many teams on this list, the San Diego Chargers already have there "franchise" Quarterback in Phillip Rivers. He may have his share of injuries, but with his "iron man" mentality, Rivers always seems to bounce back with ease.

Scale of 0-10 Vick charges into San Diego: 0

McNabb or not McNabb; that is the question surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles this year. The fans, however, already expressed their feelings about the (underrated) QB who spent all of his 10-year career in Philly. If McNabb is released, there has been word that he may end up in the city where he was born, Chicago. With the possibility of this becoming reality, the chances Vick would wind up with the Eagles are slim to none. They would more likely scan the market or trade for someone like Matt Cassel, Derek Anderson, or maybe even Alex Smith.

Scale of 0-10 Vick bonds with "The City of Brotherly Love": 2

If there was one team that would be a perfect fit for Vick, it would be none other than the New Orleans Saints. The bitter rivalry between the Saints and Falcons would heat up faster than Coach Dennis Green's hot-headed 2006 Post Game Press Conference ("The Bears are who we thought they were!"). Add Vick's unbelievable ability to scramble, Reggie Bush's versatility, toss in a solid batch of wide receivers, and this offense would give just about any defense nightmares. However, there is one player who stands in the way of making this a dream come true: Drew Brees. This year, Brees fell 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino's single-season yardage record. It would be truly difficult for Vick to enter "The Big Easy."

Scale of 0-10 Vick marches in with the Saints: 0

The Buffalo Bills definitely have a quarterback controversy in Trent Edwards and J.P. Losman. Although Edwards was drafted for the intent to be the future and looks as if the future may be now, Losman wants out. The Bills cannot go wrong with either under center, since both are unproven quarterbacks in the league, but Edwards did show signs of greatness earlier in the season, until he was setback by a concussion and inconsistency play. As long as Dick Jauron is the head coach of the Bills, nothing will change among the quarterback situation. He seems to be content with Trent.

Scale of 0-10 Vick packs up to play for Buffalo (or Toronto): 1

The Browns began the season with Derek Anderson at the helm, the fans where demanding a change for Brady Quinn, and they got what they ordered. Quinn was to be the future in Cleveland for years to come; unfortunately, his short tenure as the starter ended within three games due to season-ending injury, and was placed on injured reserve—as was Anderson. For the last several weeks of the season, the Browns went through another quarterback or two, and placed another on injured reserve. Brady Quinn is undoubtedly the starter for next season, and Derek Anderson will be released or traded after a disappointing season after he played at a Pro Bowl-level the year before.

Scale of 0-10 that the "Dawg Pound" will embrace Vick (Oh, the irony!): 0

The Redskins' Jason Campbell has had a rocky start to his career, and having to learn roughly five different offensive schemes every year since being drafted deserves kudos. Then the Redskins hired Jim Zorn, with his wacky methods and quirky drills. Many believed he was a surprise candidate for the Head coaching position, but he ended up being a great fit for Campbell. The union between a Coach and his Quarterback needs to be strong and trustworthy, just as it is with Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell. That is the reason why they have had success. No need to come in and mess that up, Vick.

Scale of 0-10 Vick and Zorn would unite: 0

Believe it or not, but it has been a year since the Dolphins went 1-15, barely escaping the dreadful winless season. Whether it was injury plagued Trent Green, "Run for your life" Cleo Lemon, or often confused John Beck at quarterback, nothing really fell the Phins way. The Dolphins have had so many different quarterbacks in recent years—the three mentioned above, along with Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington—that it makes the city wish Dan Marino would come out of retirement. However, due to the short return of Favre—who was traded to the Jets—Chad Pennington was released and signed a 2-year deal with Miami. Oh, how quickly people forget. Hey Dan! Stay at CBS, please! Pennington got the Phins into the playoffs for the first time in years, while the Jets look foolish for cutting Chad for Brett.

Scale of 0-10 that Vick just adds another QB to Miami: 1

The Ravens weren't in need of a quarterback until Steve McNair retired last year. Kyle Boller can't be the guy because it seems as if he buys a one-way ticket to the injured reserve each year. Troy Smith couldn't be the man because he may make for a better wideout than a quarterback. On the other hand, (rookie) Joe Flacco can be debated. He did return the Ravens to the playoffs and that is impressive for any rookie. In comparison, Flacco may be missing a few intangibles that fellow rookie Matt Ryan possesses, and also has a more likely chance of falling into the sophomore slump. Vick can come in to challenge Flacco for the starting spot or push him to become a better player. Whatever the reason is to bring Vick to Baltimore wouldn't be long term, since Flacco is the answer.

Scale of 0-10 Michael Vick competes in Baltimore: 5


(Part II will look at the other 15 teams that have a better shot at Vick's services.)