Is Michael Vick finished?

By Robert Brewer | May 16, 2015

Jul 24, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) speaks to the media following training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Former New York Jets’ quarterback Michael Vick is still available on the free agent market. However, not many teams are banging the doors down for his services after his dreadful 2014 season. Vick completed just 52.9% of his passes last year and compiled his lowest quarterback rating since his rookie season of 2001. With Vick turning 35 years old this June, has he reached the end of his NFL career?

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My initial answer to that question would be yes. Aside from the putrid numbers Vick posted in 2014, a few things in particular alarmed me about his lone season in New York. After his first extended playing time of the season in mop up duty against San Diego on October 5th, Vick admitted that he was not prepared to go into the game as a backup.

This is certainly not a good look for an aging veteran on a one year contract that is likely to play the same role on his next team. However, Jets’ starting quarterback Geno Smith would once again open the door for Vick to become the regular starter.

The struggling second year passer turned in an abominable performance against Buffalo on October 26th, completing only two of eight passes for five measly yards and a whopping three interceptions in the first quarter. Once Vick was inserted back into the lineup to relieve the atrocity that was Geno Smith, smart money was banking on never seeing Smith anywhere near the field for the rest of the season.

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks on from the bench during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

While Vick went on to lead Gang Green to an upset win over Pittsburgh that snapped the team’s brutal eight game losing streak, his reign as Jets’ starter lasted only three games. Like Smith before him, Vick fell victim to Buffalo’s improved defense.

The former number one overall draft pick completed a dreadful seven of 19 passes for 76 yards and one interception in New York’s brutal 38-3 loss on November 24th. During this massacre of a football game, Vick was eventually pulled from the lineup which gave way for Smith to regain his job as New York’s starting quarterback.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, the 2014 New York Jets were a sinking ship from the outset and it would have been very difficult for any player to shine in that situation. However, being that Vick was unable to wrestle the starting job away from even the slightest competition is also a cause for concern moving forward.

What NFL team in their right mind would have any use for a 35 year old quarterback that could not consistently outperform Geno Smith? That said, even at his advanced age, I still think Michael Vick has more overall talent than some of these retread quarterbacks taking up NFL roster spots.

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) enters the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

With a motley crew of passers such as Brandon Weeden, Chad Henne, and even Tim Tebow of all people still collecting NFL paychecks, there may be a spot for Vick after all. According to this ProFootballTalk.com report from Josh Alper, Vick is preparing for another shot in the NFL by working out with former Miami Dolphins’ receiver Chris Chambers.

“There are several teams that want [Vick]. He wanted to be on a winning team. He wants to play three years. Eventually, he wants to start again,” Chambers told the Miami Herald.

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

While it may be true that Vick is training diligently for another chance, it may also be a bit of athlete-driven hyperbole. Even if he signs with a new team, it would be very unreasonable for Vick to expect to be named the immediate starter. I believe the best case scenario for Vick would be to accept a role as a backup and be prepared this time if and when he is called upon to perform.

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