Falcons face roadblocks to Vick exit

Dana Point, Calif. —- The Falcons continue to attempt to formally sever ties with imprisoned and suspended quarterback Michael Vick.

Here’s a look at 10 questions surrounding Vick, the Falcons and his prospective return to the NFL as the team attempts to trade his rights.

1. What are the contract ramifications?

Vick’s contract is suspended. His $7.5 million base salary did not count toward the team’s salary cap last season, but his prorated bonus does. That number for 2009 is $6.43 million. If Vick is traded, an additional $680,000 —- his prorated bonus for 2010 —- would be absorbed under the 2009 salary cap. This amount is not significant as most teams operate with as much as 10 percent of “dead cap money.” The NFL salary cap for 2009 is $127 million per team.

2. What is Vick’s trade value?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s a tough evaluation for NFL teams. At least 10 have unstable quarterback situations. As Falcons coach Mike Smith says, “This is a quarterback league.” Teams must evaluate whether or not they can withstand the backlash from animal rights groups vs. attempting to improve their on-field quality of play.

3. What happens if Vick goes to the startup United Football League?

It would be like a trade, and his salary cap numbers would accelerate into the 2009 salary cap.

4. Is Vick precluded from playing in the Canadian Football League?

Yes. The collective bargaining agreement precludes players under contract with NFL teams from playing in the CFL.

5. If the Falcons are unable to trade Vick, what happens upon reinstatement to the league?

The Falcons likely would release him, and he would become a free agent. Owner Arthur Blank has stated that he will not play for the Falcons. The salary cap hit would be $7.11 million in 2009.

6. What’s the status of the Falcons’ fight to reclaim his bonus money?

The case is on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

7. Is it likely that the Falcons and Vick’s representatives could agree to negotiate a new contract that would make it easier for him to be traded?

It’s unlikely. However, any team that is interested in trading for Vick will have to discuss a new contract. They would likely want to wrap him up for three to four years. The perils of a one-year contract would be that if he returns near, or at, a Pro Bowl level, his market value could soar.

8. What precedent will NFL commissioner Roger Goodell follow when determining when, and if, to reinstate Vick?

Goodell finds himself in uncharted waters. The one-year suspensions of Paul Hornung and Alex Karras (in 1963 for betting on NFL games) don’t provide any guidance. Vick will have to explain why he lied to Goodell about the dogfighting operation and show remorse.

9. Will the Falcons try to trade Vick out of the NFC South?

The phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook because of the uncertainty of his status. They can’t eliminate any team.

10. Will the charges filed by the U.S. Department of Labor over the misuse of pension funds hurt Vick’s reinstatement campaign?

No. It’s clear from the bankruptcy that he was receiving a lot of bad financial advice and likely faces a fine and possibly restitution.