Vince Young: Top 10 Landing Spots That Could Make Young a Star Again
Vince Young is as unpredictable as they come, which led to his departure from Tennessee. But the guy is talented and proved he can lead an NFL football team when he has it together mentally.
His physical attributes are rare, to say the least (6'5", 235 lbs. and can move). But along with those physical attributes, you have to deal with a lack of leadership skills and be ready to baby him.
Young is a polarizing figure, though, and will put fans in the stands. He has made two Pro Bowls since being the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and won eight of his 10 starts last season to lead the Titans to an 8-8 record after their 0-6 start.
Young, 27, simply used all his "get out of jail free cards" with coach Jeff Fisher and owner Bud Adams, and he is now on the open market. Let's take a look at some likely destinations for the former Texas star.
10. Houston Texans
1 of 10
Houston is Vince Young's hometown, and that could be a factor in whether or not they go after him. But with Matt Schaub as the starter, Young would have to settle into the backup role. That is not something he is willing to do.
But with Arian Foster as the NFL's latest rushing king and Andre Johnson catching everything thrown within 70 yards of him, Young could thrive there.
However, a high-maintenance backup quarterback is the least of the Texans' worries. They had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL and will certainly make that a priority in the offseason.
9. Seattle Seahwaks
2 of 10
No opposing coach has suffered at the hands of Vince Young like Pete Carroll has. When Carroll was at Southern California, he watched Vince Young—almost singlehandedly—dismantle the Trojans in the 2006 national championship game.
The current quarterback situation in Seattle is not bright. Matt Hasselbeck is old and often injured, while Charlie Whitehurst is simply a homeless man's Vince Young. I think Carroll's demeanor could be good for Young, who said after one year in the NFL that he didn't enjoy football anymore.
Carroll is as easygoing as it gets in the NFL, and Young might just need that.
8. San Francisco 49ers
3 of 10
I think the Alex Smith project is coming to an end, much like I think the Tim Tebow project will in Denver in another year. But it has to be over for Smith, the former No. 1 overall pick. He has had so many chances and failed.
Smith is currently the 21st-rated passer in the league, but more importantly, his team is 6-10.
The 49ers have some decent weapons on offense with Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. There needs to be a change, and Vince Young is a bigger, better version of the current backup, Troy Smith.
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7. Oakland Raiders
4 of 10
Al Davis is the most unpredictable, irrational decision-maker in sports. That is why this is a possibility. But Oakland would be a decent offense with Young at the helm. The two speedster wide receivers (Jacoby Ford and Darrius Heyward-Bey) would extend the field, opening things up all over.
Darren McFadden has proven himself as a weapon, Zach Miller is a solid tight end and Michael Bush can tote the rock for the Raiders as well. Throw in a mobile, big-armed quarterback like Young, and it could be lethal.
6. Buffalo Bills
5 of 10
The Bills are almost as unpredictable as the Raiders when it comes to personnel moves. But Al Davis is the king, and it won't change.
This move would make sense for a Bills team that lacks a good offensive line. Wide receiver Steve Johnson ended the year with 82 catches for 1,073 yards for the Bills.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a decent year at quarterback for the Bills, considering how bad the team was. Fitzpatrick—a pocket passer—passed for 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns but threw 15 interceptions.
I think adding some athleticism at the quarterback position could spread the defense out a little bit more and finally give Buffalo fans something to cheer about besides a junior hockey tournament.
5. Washington Redskins
6 of 10
Mike Shanahan might not want to deal with a quarterback like Vince Young, but it looks unlikely that Donovan McNabb will be around next year, and Rex Grossman is a joke.
I think it is going to come down to need, and with a franchise like Washington that's willing to go after big names, there is a chance that Young could be a Redskin next year.
But if this does happen, Vince Young will need to get real tough, real quick.
4. Carolina Panthers
7 of 10
The Carolina Panthers thought Andrew Luck would be their starting quarterback next year until Thursday.
But since Luck will be heading back to Stanford for his senior year, that means it's either another year of Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen, or they make a play for someone else and use their first overall pick to make the quarterback's job a little easier in the form of a receiver (A.J. Green?).
There is a lot of upside to Vince Young, and he is fun to watch. The Panthers should seriously consider going after Young.
3. Arizona Cardinals
8 of 10
Quarterback play was an absolute joke for Arizona this year. They gave up on Matt Leinart in September and turned to Derek Anderson and John Skelton. Both were bad this year. Real bad.
With Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston out wide, the Cardinals could have a decent offense with an above-average quarterback. Vince Young could be what they need.
Cardinals quarterbacks threw a total of 19 interceptions and only 10 touchdowns this year. Young would be a good fit here. He has the arm and ability to stretch the field.
2. Miami Dolphins
9 of 10
I went to the Dolphins-Lions game a few weeks ago. I watched Chad Henne blow a 10-point lead with under seven minutes remaining in the game. The Dolphins are so desperate for a quarterback it is disgusting.
The last real quarterback in Miami was Dan Marino. Since then, they've just been putting band-aids on a gaping wound.
I don't know if Vince Young is the answer. But I think I would rather have him over Tyler Thigpen and Chad Henne. I wouldn't want an aged Donovan McNabb, whose best days appear to be behind him (assuming he'll be available, of course).
I think once the Dolphins' coaching fiasco is over, they will seriously consider Young. They drafted Pat White. They want a quarterback that can run.
1. Minnesota Vikings
10 of 10
The Vikings have proven that they don't mind going after quarterbacks with baggage. With Brett Favre gone (for now), it is now Tarvaris Jackson's team, finally. Joe Webb was a quick fix, but I think the Vikings could go out and get Vince Young and be very successful with him.
Of course, this is all assuming he holds together mentally. He will have one of the league's top two backs in Adrian Peterson and solid receivers in Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. Visanthe Shiancoe is a solid intermediate option at tight end as well.
Tarvaris Jackson is decent from what we've seen. But I think the Vikings will have to get a coach who can nurture the ultra sensitive Young, and he would thrive as a Viking.
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