AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 15
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Where is Vick going to land in the NFL?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My good friend Pat Yasinskas has a nice piece on ESPN.com with Falcons owner Arthur Blank repeating what he’s told former colleague Steve Wyche and columnist Jeff Schultz several times about the franchise moving on after Michael Vick’s incarceration.
The $73 million contract he bestowed on Matt Ryan closed that door. Now with Ryan’s fine play, Vick’s really in Blank’s rear view mirror.
However, Blank told Yasinskas that he’ll support for Vick’s return to the NFL… you know, just not in the ATL. That’s new stuff.
Vick’s technically still a Falcon, who’s indefinitely suspended. His path back to the NFL is littered with obstacles.
Vick will have to be released by the Falcons at some salary cap-friendly point. His salary situation, which is in a legal dispute, will have to be settled. The salary cap issue is huge as the Falcons will have 13 unrestricted free agents after this season.
The State charges in Virginia must be resolved via adjudication or plea agreement, with no additional jail time.
The final thing to happen would be clearance for NFL Commissioner Roger “The Sheriff” Goodell.
Vick’s projected released date is July 20, 2009 by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. If everything lines up right or there is an earlier released, he could be ready to hit the field next season.
Since the Falcons have already taken themselves out of the running, who are some of the teams that might be interested in Vick?
Look at the teams with major quarterback issues and then you have to determine if they’ll take the public relations risk in order to improve their team.
I’m watching the Detroit situation? Kitna’s about done there. The loyal fan base is hungry for a winner. They’ll finally have new management next season.
What about a Raiders reunion with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp? As long as Al Davis is alive anything can happen out there.
Where do you think Vick will land after he’s paid his debt to society?
