Vick-To-Pats Theory Gaining Momentum
Posted by Mike Florio on June 12, 2009, 6:44 p.m.
There’s been a theory making the rounds in the media that the New England Patriots could be a perfect destination for former Falcons quarterback Mike Vick.
Previously, we’d brushed off such speculation, since we believe (and we’ve been told) that Vick will be looking for a place where he can compete for the starting quarterback job.
In New England, that wouldn’t be happening — barring another Tom Brady ACL eruption.
But we’re now hearing that there could be something to the chatter, primarily since it’s appearing more and more likely that Vick won’t have many/any options to compete for the every-down quarterback job in 2009.
Under those circumstances, sending Vick to New England for a year could help Vick position himself to become an attractive candidate for another team in 2010.
Of course, this would require coach Bill Belichick to be willing to sign Vick to a one-year deal only. If Belichick goes out on a limb for the man who previously hanged a dog or two from one, the Patriots likely will want to have the option to keep him beyond 2009.
Vick, on the other hand, presumably would like to parlay a stint with the Pats into something bigger and better, as soon as possible.
So if the Pats insist on something more than a one-year contract, Vick likely will look to a team where, come 2010, he would have a crack at unseating the incumbent. The Rams, who reportedly are interested in Vick, might give him the best chance in this regard, since current starter Marc Bulger predates both G.M. Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo.
Mangini Vague On Vick
Posted by Aaron Wilson on June 12, 2009, 9:30 p.m.
So, what are the odds of suspended quarterback Michael Vick joining the Cleveland Browns?
They would seem like a fairly strong candidate to join the Anti-Vick List since they already have Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson on the roster.
And Browns coach Eric Mangini declined to specify how he felt one way or the other when asked about Vick following his official release today from the Atlanta Falcons.
“I have no idea of the status of anybody that has been released today,” Mangini told reporters in comments distributed by the team. “We haven’t gotten any of that information. I wish him well, but I’m focusing on the guys that we have here.”
When asked whether the Browns would possibly consider Vick, who remains on home confinement in Virginia under the supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mangini didn’t give out any information.
“We look at all players,” Mangini said. “It’s not specific to him or anybody else, we look at all players who we think can help us and it works within the context of the guys that we are bringing in.”
Meanwhile, the Browns haven’t experimented with kick returner and wide receiver Josh Cribbs at any other positions this week.
Cribbs has been previously mentioned as a potential candidate to play defense or possibly be utilized in a Wildcat role on offense.
Also, Mangini indicated that fourth-round linebacker Kaluka Maiava was excused from practice for personal reasons.
