Not Even Lions Want Michael Vick

The Falcons are trying to trade Michael Vick. Can't say I blame them. The club probably isn't expecting any legit offers -- and, in all likelihood, they'll end up releasing him -- but it doesn't hurt to ask. Vick, the 2001 first-overall pick, is currently in federal prison on a multiple puppy murder conviction, but could be a free man in time for the 2009 season.

But like the other 30 teams, not even the Lions are interested in Vick's services. And this is the same outfit that won exactly zero times last season. Part of the reason, certainly, is because Vick doesn't solve the team's current quarterback situation.

At this point in the proceedings, he's more Devin Hester than Steve Young or Donovan McNabb. Some combination of Jon Kitna, Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford are better options than Vick, which should become a familiar refrain form other organizations this offseason. Either way, disaster averted.

What about Stafford, though? Conventional wisdom has Detroit using the No. 1 pick on the Georgia quarterback, and some people even think that he should immediately be installed as the starter. Like, for example, CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco:

[Stafford] can do for the Lions what Matt Ryan did for the Atlanta Falcons. OK, so the Lions won't make the playoffs next year. But he can get them moving in that direction.

Stafford is the real deal. The only player who I can see pushing him out of that top spot is USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Lions need a franchise passer.

Pete Carroll disagrees with you about Mark Sanchez, Pete, and he's obviously an unbiased observer. As for Stafford, here's the thing: unlike the Falcons, a team that went 8-8 in 2006 before Bobby Petrino willed the team to three victories a year later, the Lions have won 30 times since 2001. There hasn't been the slightest sign that the organization was turning things around during that eight-year period.

Matt Ryan obviously came into a tough situation, but nothing like what Stafford could face in a few months. That's not to say the Lions shouldn't take him if they think he's in the club's best long-term interests, just that nobody should expect Stafford to do for the Lions what Ryan did for the Falcons. Not as a rookie, anyway.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-14-2009 @ 3:35PM

horatiowrd said...

No one wants Vick!!!....in February.

Why bother with the hassle and ridicule you'd get by expressing interest for Vick in Feb? He isn't even out in Jan and Goodell might still make him wait one more year.

Vick will make a roster of a desperate team around the 2nd week in training camp, and he will be given a 1 Preseason game to show that he is still Vick. Otherwise he is done.

2-14-2009 @ 7:08PM

Bob said...

While I can certainly understand the Falcons trying to get something for their ill-fated investment, the harsh reality is that they have absolutely no leverage. Who's going to put down a LOT of money for a player that may not even be available?! This is like someone trying to sell a used car for a new car price, and not letting anyone start the engine or look under the hood.

2-15-2009 @ 8:17AM

Ed said...

DALLAS WILL TAKE HIM , THEY TAKE ALL THE REJECTS

2-16-2009 @ 7:07AM

phontphoneez said...

Of course no one is going to take him. He absolutely won't be available because Goodell HAS to stick to his guns and impose at least a one year suspension on Vick. That would mean best case scenario he is gone until the 2010 season.

Besides, who would want that scumbag on their team? The fan backlash for picking up someone like that isn't worth the benefits. He's STILL a lousy quarterback.

2-23-2009 @ 9:43PM

mrfixit said...

Who the hell wants a child mostletr, baby killer dog eating bastard on there team???????

2-26-2009 @ 11:55PM

jason said...

michael vick is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the sport. if he had killed a human being, the world would have already forgotten about it. i think that he has paid the dues that he didnt need to pay in the first place, and that he should be entered back into the nfl w/o being bombarded with people saying that he is a dog killer or anything like that. the man is a great football player, and yes, he did make a mistake by letting people find out that he had killed some dogs. "DOGS" Should a man spend time in prison for killing dogs? NO!!! Even though these are "Gods" creatures, they are not humans. This man should not have been punished this severely for this type of situation. I hope that if the falcons complete their trade, that vick goes to a team that stomps the falcons at every meeting. any team that takes him as a player needs to realize that the bad press will soon go away. please let the best quarterback of todays time play again.