Michael Vick could be quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers
next season
Michael Vick could be quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers next season.
That’s the word on Vick’s cell block this week after The Associated Press reported that San Francisco and the Minnesota Vikings might pursue the crestfallen QB following his release from a federal prison in July.
San Francisco coach Mike Singletary feels Vick deserves the chance to play in the NFL and that he would be successful.
Niners fans, let it sink in: Your team could be interested in making Michael Vick — that Michael Vick — its signal-caller of the future. The guy who got busted for running a dogfighting ring might be starting at the same position held by Super Joe and Steve.
Let’s pump the brakes for a second. Vick is still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons and, yes coach, does have plenty of good years left in that all-world physique to make him alluring to any franchise hurting for a QB — like the 49ers or Vikings.
The thought of San Francisco adding Vick, a public-relations nightmare, is scary. But is it any scarier than the team’s current quarterback situation, or the thought of signing another college kid to a ridiculous contract in the QB-crappy draft next month?
No, but you are still not sold on Vick.
He would be a distraction.
He would drag a gaggle of protesters to games.
For better or for worse, he would be the face of a franchise that is trying to build a new stadium.
But he would win games.
You can’t deny the athleticism of Michael Vick, just like you can’t downplay his on-the-field resume. He still holds the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,039) and is third all-time.
He accumulated 11,505 yards passing and 71 touchdowns in his six active seasons.
He’s a three-time Pro Bowler.
He will turn 29 in June.
He single-handedly guided the 2004 Falcons, yesterday’s Arizona Cardinals, within a game of reaching the Super Bowl. That Alge Crumpler, a tight end, led Atlanta in receiving yards that year shows how potent Vick’s rushing ability is — the Falcons didn’t need to go long. Vick still threw for 2,313 yards on top of rushing for 902.
You could question Vick’s conditioning and acuteness because he has not played in two seasons. But you’d be amazed how quickly professional athletes can get back to speed. (See Deion Sanders returning to the NFL at age 37 after a four-year retirement.)
Plus, this is Michael Vick, one of the most dedicated players in the game. He has had two years to toss and turn thinking about how far his star power has fallen. Think he’ll be ready to get back to work this summer?
The bigger question is, social drama aside, do you honestly think Vick would hinder the San Francisco 49ers?
“He’s still under contract. You can’t really talk to him or have any contact with him,” Singletary said. “Right now, we’re just going to look at the quarterbacks we have and go from there.”
So let’s have a look.
The team is set to enter training camp with Shaun Hill as the No. 1 quarterback, and Alex Smith and company vying for the No. 2 spot. Hill passed for 2,046 yards last season while leading the team back to respectable, but 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan felt that wasn’t enough. McCloughan has said the team needs an upgrade under center.
“I’m not going to get into names,” he said. “The important thing now is which ones fit that (system). It has to be a chemistry where he fits in with everybody. There’s a value out there, and it’s a position we need to address, whether it’s the draft or free agency.”
Never mind if Vick fits the system. Vick is a system.
How about bringing in a quarterback who can throw the ball the length of the field on a rope and keep defenders honest with his feet? How about one who can utilize an athletic tight end — like Vernon Davis — and take attention away from Frank Gore?
How about someone who can show the franchise is willing to give a second chance to someone who screwed up, apologized and paid his debt to society?
Yes, Vick has baggage. But if he wins games, who cares? Kobe Bryant’s jersey is still one of the most purchased. Fans will still turn out to watch Alex Rodriguez.
The Niners won’t find a quarterback with Michael Vick’s potential in the draft or the free-agency market, ever.
Let that sink in.
