Any interest in Vick?
It's official -- Michael Vick is on the open market.
After trying to trade Vick for the last few months, the Falcons cut ties with the embattled quarterback today, releasing him after six years in an Atlanta uni.
Vick, of course, was found guilty on dogfighting charges in December of 2007 and is currently serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. He is still suspended by the NFL, and will need to be reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell before getting a chance to play again. Goodell says he will wait until after Vick completes his sentence before making his decision on reinstatement.
Let's say for the sake of argument that Vick is reinstated and is allowed to play this season. He will come with twelve tons of baggage, and any team that signs him will have to be prepared for the media storm and PETA picket lines that will come along for the ride.
But this is a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback we're talking about here. He threw for over 2,400 yards and 20 TDs in his last season, and ran for over 1,000 as well. He averaged over eight yards every time he decided to tuck it and run in 2006, and when the ball was in his hands, defenses had to account for him at all times.
It could be argued that Vick was one of the biggest game-changers in the league during the 2005-2006 seasons. He was so quick in the open field, and his passing had gradually improved to the point that secondaries couldn't just press up and provide extra help close to the line of scrimmage.
The Ravens won't have any interest in the soon-to-be 29-year-old; Baltimore already has three capable QBs on their roster and Troy Smith fills their quota for a slashing quarterback/running back/wide receiver.
But let me pose it to you this way: If you're the owner of an NFL team, do you take a chance on Vick? Do you accept all the potential distractions and drama in hopes that you can get the 2006 version of Vick in 2009? Or is all the off-the-field stuff just too much for you to handle?
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Categories (click for archive)Dan Kolko | Ravens News |
I dont know, it's hard to weigh the pros and cons here. I think it can't really hurt to sign him to a small contract and give him a shot. If he's not in good shape or if he causes too much of a distraction then just cut him.
No way in hell. If I'm an NFL owner, I'm keeping him far, far away from my team.
I want to see Vick play again in the NFL. He was the most exciting player at one point of his career. Other players have done terrible things and been given a second chance. Strong veteran teams could handle it (the Ravens are one of those teams). Put him in the slot and create a wild cat package for him.
Someone will give him a shot. I'd give him a contract, a small one, but a contract. I love dogs, I have two in fact, but the man have paid his penance. . . . what am I to do??? PETA would affect business but that might, might, take 50 names off the PSL waiting list. They are an NFL franchise. They are nearly as big as the government. I'd try and turn him into the next Boldin.
Vick never won a championship. He had a strong arm, but he wasn't very accurate. He was a good runner. In fact, even before his arrest, there was talk about turning him into a running back or a tight end. If a team takes him, it won't be as a QB. A QB needs to be a leader -- and this guy should not have people following his lead. Still, why would they take him at all? He's 29 and he's been out of game for 2 seasons. He'll need at least one season to get back into NFL shape. The NFL gave this guy a great life and he chose to flush it down the toilet in a really disgusting way. He was murdering dogs for 4 years, so don't tell me he's remorseful for anything other than getting caught. The league does not owe this clown a damn thing. He had his chance. He blew it.
michael vick should get the same treatment as the dogs he killed.
I've heard Dallas likes the bad boys...
I'd take em. F--- PETA. Everyon makes mistakes, ven huge ones. Whoever he plays for, ratings will sky rcoket, games will be entertaining, and they have a chance to make it to the playoff.. Yeah, hes that good. God gives us all 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc chances in life. Why shouldnt we lend the favor to someone else.
Hey Dan,
I've been keeping up with baseball and hoping the O's can get out of this nasty slump they're in. YIKES.
I would say yes, I would give Vick another chance. I cannot stand to see people in here or anywhere throw stones at Vick as though they are all perfect. We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others. But when we've made those mistakes, we've desperately wanted second chances also. Yes, this is a very BIG one, but many of us wouldn't want to have things from our past brought up and thrown in our faces when we're trying to move on with our lives. Yes, Vick may need some time to get back into football shape and so on, but I would certainly give him another try. That's not even a question. The only baggage I would say he brings is all the media attention this will receive, along with all the PETA and other animal lovers out there.
The man has paid his price. Why the hell are people still in here saying he deserves more and more on top of that? I'm not saying I'd give him 7 or 8 figures. But he's served his time, he's lost practically everything, and he's ready to work from the bottom back up. I say take him, and let him earn his way back in as everyone else. For everyone else that says he should be doomed for life, you really need to take a look in the mirror and when you can show me a perfect person, then I'll show you a QB that still deserves to be punished.
Hear is how i look at it, This guy should get a 2nd chance
He did his time now let the guy go out there and make a living
now, i would not want him on my team only because we have flacco and smith
i feel like we have two really good qbs already. but a team like the 49ers raiders maybe tampa bay should try to make a deal
Why are we even talking about Vick? Shouldn't Plaxico be the topic of discussion?
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Blue,
Sure. Let's talk that one tomorrow.
-Dan
No way, he wasn't that good to begin with any wide receiver with a decent arm could do what he did. The three pro-bowls are over rated the fans vote on them. Ngata hasn't been voted to the pro-bowl does that mean he is not one of the best D-linemen in the NFL. Nick Markakis has never been voted to the All-star game but most scouts say he is one of the best outfielders in the MLB.
Fan's only voted for him because he was exciting, he was a boom or bust player.
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Brian,
One thing worth noting -- the Pro Bowl is voted on by the fans, but also by NFL coaches and players. Each group's votes count for one-third of the total scoring. But your point is well-taken.
-Dan
And to the people who say he should be given another chance, give me a break. Yeah he can make a living but that does not mean he should make Millions of dollars to play football. Let him shovel crap somewhere like other scum that do what he did do.
And to the people who think what he did is the same as hunting or fishing, Get a brain. I don't like hunting but with fishing and hunting most people make it a fast kill and eat what they kill. Vick tortured the animals that weren't "MEAN" enough and made then rip each other to pieces. I don't see hunters go out and make to deer kill eachother
Personally what I would pay for is to see Vick in a STEEL CAGE match with one of his Pit Bulls that he took so much pleasure in torturing and abusing! THAT'S what he deserves and THAT'S what would draw a real crowd! Like the man said the only thing he is "truely" sorry, about, is getting caught! He should burn in hell for what he did and I would be happy to light the match!