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According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets are expected to have interest in signing Eagles quarterback Michael Vick this off-season. Vick will be a free agent when the new league year starts in March.
Two teams likely to have some level of interest in Eagles free-agent-to-be QB Michael Vick: Buccaneers and Jets.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 2, 2014
Vick made it clear earlier this week that he stills sees himself as a starter in the NFL. Both of these teams could be logical fits for Vick. Neither team's quarterback picture is entirely clear.
The Jets could use an upgrade at quarterback given the uninspiring rookie performance from second round draft pick Geno Smith. In 16 games played, Smith threw 247/443 (55.8%) for 3,046 yards, 12 TD to 21 INT, 4 fumbles, and a 66.5 QB rating. Jets GM John Idzik wouldn't commit to Smith as the 2014 starter. Former first round pick Mark Sanchez isn't a viable option and might not be back with the team. The Jets won't be in good position to draft a top signal caller given their draft spot at at No. 18 in the 2014 NFL Draft. Enter Vick, who used to play for former Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Jets head coach Rex Ryan is under pressure to produce results and signing Vick could be NYJ's best chance at winning now.
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In Tampa Bay, there is a new general manager (Dennis Hickey) and head coach (Lovie Smith) in town. There's no indication how committed they will be to last year's draft pick Mike Glennon. Glennon played 13 games for the Buccaneers in 2013. He threw for 2,608 yards on 247/416 (59.4%) passing along with 19 TD to 9 INT, 3 fumbles, and a 83.9 QB rating. Glennon wasn't nearly as bad as Smith was for NYJ, but veteran coach Lovie Smith might opt for an experienced signal caller like Vick.
Vick is the top quarterback in a weak free agent class. His options are limited if he's truly committed to being a starter, but he could be a viable stop-gap option for a few teams. It sure will be interesting to see where the polarizing Eagles QB ends up this off-season.
