Why The UFL Is Michael Vick's Best Option

Where will Michael Vick play in 2009? The bigger question is what team will give him his second chance?

The attitude around the league seems to be that he deserves a second chance. However, they are all saying I hope he gets it elsewhere. In other words, while everybody thinks he deserves a second chance nobody seems over-willing to give it to him. To be honest, I would feel the same way.

Vick is certainly one of the most exciting players ever to watch. He was Wildcat before Wilcat was cool. However he also brings great risk, which is why teams are reluctant to sign him.

The way way I see it there are three critical concerns with Vick. The first being is he the same Vick on the field as he was before he went to prison. I am sure he stayed in physical shape in prison, but the question is whether or not he is in the same football shape.

The next concern is whether or not it is a different Vick off the field. There is no doubt that before that Vick lived a lifestyle that was nothing but trouble. That is not good for a football team and provides a lot of distraction.

The third concern is that at this point Vick will be behind the 8-ball with any team. He wasn't there for OTAs, Mini-camps, and is now missing the critical first stages of training camp.

With all of this the reward doesn't really outweigh the risk. Therefore teams are reluctant to sign him.

So what is the best option for Vick? The quick choice would be to take whatever deal you can with an NFL team. That is the quick choice but not the smart choice. The reality is that he won't get a very good contract at this point and his role will likely be a back up who can run the Wildcat in spot duty.

Is that what Michael Vick wants? I don't think so.

To me the smart choice for Vick would be to go to the newly formed UFL. This is a league designed for players who want a second chance at the NFL. This is a league in which Michael Vick can answer all the questions.

He can show that he can still get it done on the field. He can show that he is a changed man off the field. He can be there from day one with the rest of the team and have no suspensions to worry about.

Imagine if Michael Vick totally dominates that league which is a very strong possibility. Imagine if he stays out of trouble. Next year NFL teams could be lining up to sign him.

Looking around the league there are many teams with quarterbacks facing make or break years. Look at Buffalo, Cincinnatti, Cleveland, Oakland, Jacksonville, Denver, Houston, Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco. That is alot of teams with quarterbacks on the hotseat.

That will create plenty of opportunity for Vick if he dominates the UFL. Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy won't help anybody next year. They will be rookies who will need to develop.

Sometimes good things come to those who wait and that could clearly be the case for Vick.