"Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?" - Batman. Michael Vick may not be the "devil" as the waterboy's mother aka Kathy Bates referred to just about everything, but after completing a two year prison sentence, Michael Vick is once again ready to resume his NFL career.
Should Michael Vick be given a second chance? Absolutely he should be given a chance to return to his career in the NFL, it's a job that doesn't involve animals and the cruelty to them that caused his incarceration. He's nowhere near close to being in a position to test his judgment with regards to animals, but at what point does a team want to subject itself to the cavalcade of the media circus and the constant scrutiny day in and day out pertaining to Vick?
Two years removed from the game itself, there'll be many questions regarding his conditioning. Vick appeared to be on the cusp of breaking new career highs. In 2006, he passed for 20 TDs and 13 INTs. Ideally Michael Vick would want to find a team that already had its core group of veteran leaders and a proven starting QB for him to back up. He would take a back seat in the spotlight.
Who Could Use His Services?
The Patriots:
New England would be an ideal match where Brady, Belichick, and the group of veterans on the team would provide the stability needed for Vick. If there's a team that can coach anyone up to their top ability it's the Pats. This situation isn't likely to occur. The Pats generally have moved towards signing younger players without character issues.
The Seahawks:
Seattle could be another prime destination with a pro bowl starting quarterback in place, except for the fact that the very coach that created friction with Vick is running the show in Seattle.
The Saints:
New Orleans could be a nice fit with Brees, Bush, Shockey, and a potent offense already in place, but do the Saints want another distraction?
After all the top teams having established quarterbacks with a winning track record have passed, Michael Vick may need to look to more of a challenge regarding winning and the media circus.
The Panthers:
Carolina could use an upgrade at QB and someone to replace the aging Delhomme, but Vick still hasn't proven that he can win with his arm and not his legs placing the Panthers offense in the same situation they're in now.
The Raiders:
How can anyone rule out Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Davis loves a strong arm and speed. Knowing that Davis covets such attributes Vick could be the fit at QB he's looking for if Russell fails him.
The Vikings:
Minnesota could be the best possible situation as far as starting positions go. He'd be an upgrade and he'd have the added benefit of having the support of one of the best active running backs in the NFL in Peterson.
Teams have plenty of time to play the waiting game as training camps and the pre-season approaches. Vick may have to wait until the season starts for an offer to appear. He'd be a high risk high reward addition for any team, but could also be someone's kryptonite for a team looking to improve due to all the distractions.
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