Could Michael Vick End Up in the NFC East?

As you all probably know by now, former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick has been officially released from house arrest today after serving a 23-month sentence for dogfighting charges. Now, only two obstacles stand between Vick and a return to the NFL:

1. Convincing commissioner Roger Goodell  to allow him back into the league
2. Convincing head coaches around the league that he is ready to play again after almost two years out of football

Assuming Vick can worm his way back into professional football, there are a few teams who might give him a look to help out at quarterback. Keep in mind that Vick might have to settle for a #2 or #3 position on a team, because the problems his signing will cause will surely keep the pickings slim. The United Football League has already extended an invitation to Vick should he not be allowed back for another year by Goodell, but you can be sure that the ex-Falcon is itching to earn back his once illustrious position in the NFL and will pursue that to the best of his abilities.

What concerns the Eagles fan base, though, is whether or not the Birds will have to face Vick at some point during the upcoming season. Here is a look at how likely that scenario will be:

The Washington Redskins:

They are the only NFC East team consistently mentioned with Vick's return to the NFL. And why shouldn't they be? Owner Dan Snyder and Head Coach Jim Zorn have been pursuing a new QB to replace the less-than-stellar Jason Campbell for the entire offseason. It all started with the failed attempt at trading for the Broncos' Jay Cutler and continued throughout the draft, when the Jets snatched away the coveted Mark Sanchez. Although the Skins' front office claims they aren't interested in Vick, the reality is that this could very well be Campbell's last year in Washington. His contract ends after the 2009 season, and backup QB Todd Collins turns 38 in November. The only quarterback left on the charts will be young Colt Brennan, who has yet to play a snap in the NFL. The Redskins need some insurance for the future, and fast. Vick will start to look pretty tempting down the road.

I think [Vick] deserves a chance to play again and I think somebody will take a run at him and I think he could be a great producer in the NFL. Obviously we've seen him do that before, but I think it's gonna take the right team right place, and I think he deserves another chance.

-Former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs

The Dallas Cowboys:

In an article that enraged users over at BloggingTheBoys, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio claimed that the Cowboys might be interested in Vick because his skill level is comparable to Tony Romo's. USA Today also thought the Vick-to-Dallas idea had some merit, and had this to say:

Like Jerry Jones has ever run from a public relations challenge. It's also easy to see Vick's talents incorporated into an offense that lacks proven receivers and would rely on Jon Kitna if Tony Romo goes down again.

While the Cowboys' fan base would likely be against Vick's acquisition, it would certainly bring more security to the QB position. Kitna turns 37 in September and spent most of last year on injured reserve. Vick could easily oust him and Brooks Bollinger for the backup quarterback spot, leaving rookie Stephen McGee time to develop in the 3rd position.

The New York Giants:

While Vick might be a tempting option to replace the 30-year-old David Carr in the #2 spot, it is highly unlikely that the team will put up with any more problem players after the departure of Plaxico Burress. Or, to put it in the words of Giants Owner John Mara:

"No. On a lot of levels, no."

The Philadelphia Eagles:

Andy Reid and the front office pride themselves in having a roster full of classy players who cause little to no off-the-field issues. Donovan McNabb is the clear-cut starter for this team, and the staff still has high hopes for the young Kevin Kolb. Although most people would think that Vick has no chance of coming to Philadelphia, USA Today conjured up this scenario:

Andy Reid knew how to deploy Donovan McNabb back when he ran and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn while passing. And RB Brian Westbrook could easily reprise Warrick Dunn's role as Vick's backfield sidekick. But this only seems like a practical marriage if McNabb goes down and Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley are stinking up the Linc.

Right. I think the Eagles pass on that one, thanks.

Although Vick's return to the NFL could take another year (or not happen at all) you can be sure that teams around the league are looking at him and adjusting their strategies around his return. So, where do you think he will land?