Recent NFL injuries might start working in Michael Vick's favor sooner rather than later. So far in free agency, interest has been low on the veteran quarterback. Vick has not taken one team visit in the offseason while players like Matt Cassel, Josh McCown and Brandon Weeden have already been swept up. Hoping to not be without a contract for much longer, Vick is reportedly nearing a decision and it could be because of injuries to other players.
Vick has said multiple times that he wants to remain a starting quarterback in the NFL, but that simply is no longer an option. He is also looking to avoid signing on with a team where he could be replaced by a hot-handed rookie. Vick does not want to be relegated to the bench a month into the season. A backup role is the best the veteran will do and the opportunity could be presenting itself soon.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Tennessee Titans are starting to emerge as a candidate to sign Vick. Right now, the team claims to be committed to quarterback Jake Locker, but he is coming off surgery to repair a Lisfrance injury in his foot. According to NFL sources, Locker is still on crutches and might not be healthy for some time considering the injury. That leaves the Titans with Charlie Whitehurst, Rusty Smith and Tyler Wilson. Vick would be an upgrade over all of them.
Florio also presents a case for the Carolina Panthers to look at Vick. It was announced on Tuesday that Cam Newton will undergo ankle surgery and will be out for the next four months. That is not great news for a quarterback who was just starting to find his stride. Behind Newton, Derek Anderson and Matt Blanchard are the lone quarterbacks. Vick has a similar style to Newton and would be an ideal fit over a system player. The veteran is currently healthy and could sub in for Newton should he be forced to miss time from the injury.
The Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns remain options for Vick, but both teams have been trying to facilitate other moves before resorting to the veteran. Vick could sign a deal by the end of the week or he could sit on the market until training camp. One thing is very clear, he will not be starting under center Week 1.
