It’s possible, even likely, that a handful of NFL teams have extensively researched the possibility of adding Michael Vick.
The Packers, though, are the only ones we know about for sure. And their interest appears more than cursory.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports said in a recent interview that the Packers sent a “high-level” personnel man to meet with Vick. (Robinson confirmed the news to PFT.)
An interview would appear to be taking a step beyond due diligence, but Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel credits sources that say a signing isn’t imminent.
At this stage, Green Bay’s interest is in a “holding pattern.” Silverstein writes there is no reason to believe that the Packers “will do anything beyond discussing the pros and cons of bringing in one of the most dynamic offensive players of his time.”
That could change depending on how Green Bay’s young backup quarterbacks develop.
There have been mixed reviews regarding ’08 seventh-round pick Matt Flynn’s development, but second-round selection Brian Brohm has a lot to prove. He had a miserable rookie year, and there hasn’t been any progress reported this offseason. Flynn looks like the backup.
If the Packers aren’t comfortable with Flynn and Brohm after watching them in the preseason, they will be well equipped to make a decision about adding Vick.
Vick clearly would have no shot at ever supplanting Aaron Rodgers, but it would be a chance to get back into the NFL and rehab his image. The Packers wouldn’t enter into such an agreement lightly, knowing that it could cause a distraction to the team.
Still, the players seem supportive of the move.
After saying that Aaron Rodgers was the clear leader of the team, wideout Donald Driver said that “guys would open their arms up to [Vick] and respect him like a normal man.”
Cornerback Charles Woodson says the team is was built to handle any distraction after the Brett Favre saga and sounded open to the possibility. Safety Nick Collins agrees, and is in favor of bringing in Vick.
Collins points out that G.M. Ted Thompson made the unpopular decision to roll with Aaron Rodgers, and it proved correct.
"[Thompson is] going to make the right decision. He’s not going to shrimp out because of someone else’s opinion. If he thinks it’s going to help this team, he’s going to pull that trigger,” Collins said.
We agree with Collins. If the Packers truly felt that Vick was be the best option available for their backup spot, they have prepared themselves enough to make the move.
Flynn could put the issue to rest with a monster preseason, but the Packers can’t be ruled out as a potential Vick landing spot.
It looks like that’s the closest thing to a positive NFL job lead that Vick has.