Michael Vick is not coming to the Washington Redskins.
In other rehashed news, the Titanic sank and man walked on the moon. Seriously, the Vick-to-Redskins talk yesterday was hotter than Constitution Avenue at noon. Despite The Examiner breaking the story in June of the Redskins’ non-interest, many still believe owner Dan Snyder will make the bold move to sign Vick.
The longer Vick goes unsigned, the more people clamor for him. Redskins fans are always ready to move on to the next passer, even when there’s a good one in place. The problem is there hasn’t been a good one in awhile. Brad Johnson in 1999 was probably the last and cast out by Snyder immediately. If Snyder openly lusted for Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez over the offseason, why not consider Vick?
Frankly, until Vick signs elsewhere, the Redskins are a possibility. With every interception Campbell throws, even in practice, the more people will want Vick. If Washington truly doesn’t want Vick, it should pray someone else grabs him quickly to end the distraction. If they secretly do want him, better to do it right away because there are several teams considering Vick. The feeding frenzy will grow rapidly.
Why would the Redskins want Vick? He’s a very good player and, in the wildcat formation, might make the difference in reaching the playoffs. Need I say more? Vick also wouldn’t cost $100 million like Albert Haynesworth. Indeed, he could be a real bargain.
Why wouldn’t the Redskins take Vick? Because it would return the team to its circus status of 2000 when Deion Sanders & Co. arrived. That near $100 million roster managed to get the coach fired during the season and finish 8-8. Snyder has spent years trying to downplay his impulsive and rookie temperament and taking Vick would reinforce that stigma.
The Redskins don’t fear the bad publicity that goes with signing Vick. There are many people who believe Vick should be given a second chance and would welcome the Redskins’ willingness to do so. There are also many people who believe Vick should never walk free in society. They may turn from the team. But the Redskins don’t need to sell tickets or suites in any great numbers so Vick can’t cost them money like some franchises.
Don’t look for Vick to wear burgundy and gold. But you never know with this team.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or
e-mail [email protected].
