Michael Vick - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Redskins, Neal, Schofield, Vick

July 26th, 2016 at 8:58pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Even though they’ve lost edge rusher Junior Galette for the season due to a torn Achilles, the Redskins aren’t interested in free agent defenders Mike Neal or O’Brien Schofield, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link). At this point, it appears as though Washington is going to rely on internal options to replace Galette (who, it should be noted, didn’t even play in a single contest for Washington last year), as reports have indicated that the Redskins won’t target free agent Dwight Freeney or controversial pass rusher Greg Hardy. Instead, the club figures to ask Preston Smith, a second-round pick in last year’s draft, to provide increased production.

Here’s more from around the league…

Free agent quarterback Michael Vick has stated he’d like to continue his NFL career multiple times this offseason, and he repeated that sentiment earlier this week on The Dan Patrick Show, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “We had a couple phone calls,” Vick said. “I won’t say as many phone calls as I’d like. I understand the dynamics. I’m 36 years old. The thing is I still have a lot in the tank. I go work out, still go throw, still feel good.” The Seahawks are known to be looking for a veteran quarterback behind Russell Wilson, and Vick’s name has been tossed out in relation to that vacancy.
The NFL and NFLPA have reached an agreement to more strictly enforce the league’s concussion protocol, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Both the NFL and the players’ union will designate a representative to investigate potential violations, and discipline — including fines or loss of draft picks — could be handed down as penalties. Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link) confirms that the NFLPA had threatened to sue the league and claim malpractice against team doctors after Rams quarterback Case Keenum was allowed to remain in a game last season after appearing concussed.
Ra’Zahn Howard‘s signing bonus with the Texans is worth $5K, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. Houston signed the former Purdue defensive tackle to a three-year, $1.625MM deal shortly after he went unclaimed in this year’s Supplemental Draft. Many viewed Howard as the strongest player out of this year’s supplemental class and early projections had him going somewhere between rounds five and seven.
NFL agent Tory Dandy, who represents Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman, and Bills cornerback Ronald Darby, has joined CAA Sports, as Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal tweets.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Michael Vick Wants To Play In 2016

June 13th, 2016 at 6:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Michael Vick didn’t play much in 2015, attempting just 66 passes in relief of Ben Roethlisberger, but the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to retire just yet. As Vick explained to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, Vick believes he has one more season left in him.

“I haven’t officially retired,” Vick said. “As of right now, it’s pretty much at a stalemate type of thing. Just taking the days as it comes, but most importantly for me, I just have to continue to work out and train. I would love to play this year, suit up for another run at it. I still feel like I could play and there is a lot left in the tank.

“It does matter getting the right offer. I don’t think at this stage you just jump right out there and then just take any opportunity even though if this is going to be my last year, which is what I feel like I’m leaning toward because of where I’m at in my life, I do want to suit up one more time, I do want to put the helmet on one more time. I don’t want it to end the way it ended the last couple years.”

Vick, who will turn 36 later this month, has expressed his desire to play one final year before, and told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com that he wouldn’t extend his career past 2016 — in other words, if no clubs come calling this year, he’ll retire. Whether any teams show interest is an open question, as Vick hasn’t posted above-average results since 2010. The Steelers are thought to have moved on, and at this point, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Vick has to wait until a club suffers a quarterback injury during camp before he lands a deal.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

QB Rumors: Kaepernick, Vick, Lions, Falcons

April 3rd, 2016 at 6:51pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

As those who have closely followed the Colin Kaepernick saga know, the 28-year-old will collect a $400K bonus if he partakes in 90 percent of the 49ers’ offseason workouts. Those workouts begin Monday, and much has been made about whether Kaepernick will appear or stay away and continue to hold out hope for a trade. The Broncos – who are pursuing a deal for Kaepernick – begin their offseason workouts April 18, so Kaepernick could theoretically skip the 49ers’ program and recoup the $400K with Denver if it acquires him by then, as Mike Klis of 9News notes (on Twitter).

Here’s more on Kaepernick and two other QBs:

Whether Kaepernick attends the start of 49ers workouts Monday could be crucial to both teams’ leverage, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee writes. If he’s a no-show, it will further demonstrate that his relationship with the 49ers is irreparable and potentially force them to settle for an underwhelming offer from the Broncos. On the other hand, should Kaepernick report, there’s a chance he and new 49ers head coach Chip Kelly will develop a rapport and ultimately lead No. 7 to continue his five-year career in San Francisco.
Free agent Michael Vick thinks he’s capable of playing next season, but he seems content to retire if nobody pursues him. “I’m 35, about to turn 36,” Vick told David Teel of the Daily Press. “I’ve got one more dedicated season in my blood, if somebody needs me to come in. But I’m kind of happy where I am right now.” Vick spent last season in Pittsburgh, where he played in five games (three starts), completed 60.6 percent of passes, and tossed two touchdowns and an interception. He also flashed some of his signature mobility, rushing for 99 yards on 20 attempts, but the Steelers have a better, younger backup option to Ben Roethlisberger in Landry Jones. Thus, if Vick does return next season, he’s all but guaranteed to be in another uniform.
Liberty’s Josh Woodrum worked out for the Lions last week and will do the same for the Falcons on April 11, Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports (on Twitter). Despite having played at an FCS school, Woodrum had an eye-opening showing at his pro day, leading to interest from Detroit and Atlanta, per Brandt.

QB Rumors: Osweiler, Kaepernick, Broncos

March 9th, 2016 at 10:10am CST by Zachary Links

Are the Broncos on the verge of losing quarterback Brock Osweiler? If Osweiler takes a visit the Texans, one league source believes that he will not return to Denver, Mike Florio of PFT writes.

A report last night indicated that the Broncos have not spoken to Osweiler’s reps since making an initial three-year offer several days ago, so things are not necessarily looking good for an Osweiler return. However, Mike Klis of 9News says the two sides will resume negotiations today before the new league year begins, and Klis will be surprised if Osweiler leaves Denver.

Here’s the latest on the league’s available signal callers:

If the Broncos lose Brock Osweiler, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) says they’re backup plan will be to make a play for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The agents for quarterback Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month. The 28-year-old started eight games for the Niners in 2015, completing just 59.0% of his passes and throwing only six touchdowns to five interceptions. Blaine Gabbert took over as San Francisco’s starter in the second half while Kaepernick dealt with multiple injury issues. While some observers believe that Kelly’s offensive system would be ideal for Kaepernick as he aims to bounce back in 2016, it seems as if the quarterback may prefer to get a fresh start elsewhere.
Drew Brees’ agent Tom Condon says that extension talks are expected to happen at some point down the road with the Saints. “The club had the right to renegotiate for cap purposes during the life of the contract and has done that, which pushed the cap number to $30MM this year,” Condon said on The Rich Eisen Show (via PFT). “That’s where it stands right now. I’m guessing that we’ll probably have some conversations with the Saints in the next couple weeks or so.”
Michael Vick says that he will not extend his playing career beyond 2016, as Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. “I’m willing to wait the entire year out, but it’s definitely going to be it for me (after that).” “I still want to play one more year… I’m going to keep my options open and not rush into it.,” Vick said (link).

King’s Latest: Chiefs, Steelers, Packers, Lynch

January 18th, 2016 at 8:50am CST by Luke Adams

In the wake of the weekend’s divisional playoff games, Peter King of TheMMQB.com takes a look at what’s next for the four teams eliminated from the postseason, and passes along several notable tidbits. Here are the highlights:

Odds are that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will promote quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy to replace Doug Pederson as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, says King. Brad Childress has been viewed as a candidate for that job as well.
With Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali eligible for free agency, King expects the Chiefs to retain one of those two players, at most — the team is more likely to spend on its free agent defensive backs, Sean Smith and Eric Berry.
Michael Vick doesn’t appear to be in the Steelers‘ plans going forward, so the team should bring in a backup quarterback to challenge Landry Jones, King suggests. The MMQB scribe would also like to see Pittsburgh use a high draft choice on a tight end.
With Jordy Nelson back next year and the Packers developing some promising young receivers, James Jones may be a luxury that GM Ted Thompson decides he can’t afford. King writes that Green Bay also needs to invest in a pass rusher and perhaps draft Eddie Lacy‘s replacement.
“Even the most ardent Marshawn Lynch fan has to see it’s over for him,” according to King, who suggests that the Seahawks are likely to cut their longtime running back to create cap room for other core players.

AFC North Notes: Ravens, Dennard, Vick

November 23rd, 2015 at 1:23pm CST by Luke Adams

With Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco out for the rest of the 2015 season due to an ACL injury, veteran backup Matt Schaub will get an opportunity to add an extra $1MM to his season’s earnings. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com explains (via Twitter), Schaub’s deal includes a $500K incentive for playing 5% of Baltimore’s offensive snaps, and another $500K if he reaches 10%. With six games still left on the schedule, Schaub should have no trouble hitting those benchmarks unless he suffers an injury of his own.

Here’s more on the Ravens and a couple of their AFC North rivals:

In the view of Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, losing Flacco makes the Ravens the favorite to land the first overall pick for the 2016 draft. Currently, Baltimore is 3-7, a game ahead of the Browns, Titans, and Chargers, who have two wins apiece, so I’m not sure I’d call the Ravens the frontrunner for that first overall pick. Still, it certainly looks like the team is on track for its highest selection since 2000, when Jamal Lewis went fifth overall. The Ravens have never had a top-three pick.
The Bengals are fearing the worst for second-year cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. According to Rapoport, Dennard dislocated his shoulder, and will undergo an MRI today to see if he suffered a tear as well. There’s a chance he’ll land on the injured reserve list later this week.
Steelers quarterback Michael Vick said today that he’d like to play for another season, and wouldn’t mind returning to Pittsburgh in 2016, even if Landry Jones is the No. 2 quarterback heading into the summer (Twitter link via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). In previous offseason, Vick has prioritized an opportunity at a starting job, so this would be a much different approach to free agency for him.

AFC Notes: Patriots, Steelers, Pouncey, Vick

August 27th, 2015 at 9:44pm CST by Zachary Links

It’s not immediately clear whether Micahel Williams, acquired by the Patriots in a Tuesday trade, will be playing tight end or tackle, Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. Williams came on to the practice field wearing a No. 74 jersey but later changed into No. 85 and could be seen working out with the tight end group. The 6’6″ athlete first came into the NFL as a tight end but was moved to tackle by the Lions in 2014 after their selection of Eric Ebron. Here’s more from the AFC..

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says center Maurkice Pouncey, who fractured his left fibula Sunday against the Packers, has a chance to return this season, as Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes. However, he did not offer a timetable on when that might be. Pouncey has told teammates he would like to play this season and it sounds like he’s a candidate for the IR-DTR list.
Michael Vick‘s one-year contract with the Steelers calls for a base salary of $970K, the veteran’s minimum, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. The deal has no injury split and zero guaranteed money.
Bills receiver Chris Hogan has had an up-and-down summer and is battling a knee injury, but he doesn’t believe his roster spot is in jeopardy, as he tells Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News. A handful of Bills wideouts, including Deonte Thompson and Andre Davis, have had strong preseasons, which could make for a difficult decision or two in Buffalo.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Steelers Sign Mike Vick

August 25th, 2015 at 6:47pm CST by Zachary Links

6:47pm: Vick’s one-year deal is worth roughly $1MM, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).

6:32pm: The Steelers have agreed to a deal with quarterback Michael Vick, Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette tweets. It’s a one-year deal, according to Mark Kaboly of the Tribune-Review (on Twitter).

Vick, 35, visited the Steelers on Tuesday and it didn’t take long for the two sides to reach agreement on a deal. The veteran indicated this offseason that he would like to play in the NFL for three more years, but he didn’t draw a ton of interest since his contract with the Jets expired in March. Last year in New York, Vick completed just 52.9% of his passes, throwing for 604 yards and adding another 153 yards on the ground in limited action, including three starts.

The Steelers found themselves in the market for a new backup for Ben Roethlisberger after Bruce Gradkowski left this weekend’s preseason game with a hand injury. Gradkowski dislocated a finger on his left hand and is having surgery, but since it’s not an injury to his throwing hand, he shouldn’t be sidelined for too long.

Besides Roethlisberger and Gradkowski, the Steelers are also currently carrying former fourth-round pick Landry Jones and undrafted free agent Tyler Murphy at the quarterback position. While Jones could be a candidate for the No. 2 job, Murphy isn’t expected to make the roster.

Michael Vick To Visit Steelers

August 25th, 2015 at 9:35am CST by Luke Adams

Months after hitting the open market, veteran quarterback Michael Vick is making his first free agent visit, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Vick is on his way to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers.

Vick, 35, has indicated this offseason that he would like to play in the NFL for three more years, but he hasn’t drawn a ton of interest since his contract with the Jets expired in March. Last year in New York, Vick completed just 52.9% of his passes, throwing for 604 yards and adding another 153 yards on the ground in limited action, including three starts.

The Steelers may be in the market for a new backup for Ben Roethlisberger after Bruce Gradkowski left this weekend’s preseason game with a hand injury. According to Schefter (via Twitter), Gradkowski dislocated a finger on his left hand and is having surgery today. Since it’s not an injury to his throwing hand, Gradkowski shouldn’t be sidelined for too long, but Pittsburgh appears to be considering some veteran insurance nonetheless.

Besides Roethlisberger and Gradkowski, the Steelers are also currently carrying former fourth-round pick Landry Jones and undrafted free agent Tyler Murphy at the quarterback position. While Jones could be a candidate for the No. 2 job, Murphy isn’t expected to make the roster.

Latest On Jets, Geno Smith

August 12th, 2015 at 9:16am CST by Zachary Links

The latest on those crazy Jets..

Although Geno Smith hasn’t made a final decision, the early indication is that the Jets quarterback won’t pursue a civil suit against IK Enemkpali, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets. However, a source told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that nothing has been ruled out.
The Jets and Michael Vick‘s agent had a conversation about the potential of him re-joining the team in Geno Smith’s absence, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. However, both parties determined that it wasn’t in their best interests to resume their professional relationship (link).
Smith’s jaw will heal, but he’ll have hard time recovering from this mess, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Even coach Todd Bowles had to admit that Smith won’t be getting the job back if Ryan Fitzpatrick or whoever the team’s QB is to start the year is successful. “If the other guy is playing well and the boat is going right and there are no waves, and everything is going and we’re 4, 5, 6, 7-0, yeah, you’re not coming back to start,” Bowles said.
Smith’s future with Jets may be in jeopardy now that he’s sidelined for 6-10 weeks, Mehta writes.