Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Could Michael Vick Sign With The Cowboys As Tony Romo’s Backup?
With a little over a month to go until the start of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2016 season, rumors are heating up regarding how their final roster is going to look. While the Cowboys’ four preseason games are going to have a major impact on how the roster ultimately shapes up, the team is still going to have a problem at the backup quarterback position. Michael Vick, who is now 36 years old and way past his prime, believes that he could contribute and be a solid backup to Tony Romo.
As NJ Advance Media reports, Vick is looking for another opportunity to play in the NFL. After a few successful seasons in Philadelphia, Vick had two very forgettable years with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. While Vick is now one of the hardest workers in the NFL, he is just not a good quarterback anymore. His elite athleticism has always made up for his inaccurate passing, but he is no longer the highlight reel that he was with the Atlanta Falcons and, to a lesser extent, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Michael Vick and the Cowboys? ? pic.twitter.com/CcDKX8coOA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 7, 2016
Regardless, Vick is still looking for another chance, and he told Rich Eisen that he has dreamed of being a member of the Dallas Cowboys since he was a kid, as seen in a video posted to NFL.com.
“That would be great. Every kid growing up wants to put that star on their helmet. You see them on Thanksgiving, on Monday night games year in and year out. It has become an annual thing. It’s a beautiful uniform and it looks good.”
While Vick may have dreamed of being a Cowboy when he was a kid, it is likely that he would join any NFL team at this point. In five games with the Steelers last year, Vick threw for 371 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also added a fumble, and the once profile Steelers offense took a huge step back with Vick under center. Antonio Brown, arguably the top wide receiver in the entire NFL, had his worst games of the season when Vick played due to Ben Roethlisberger’s injury.
The Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the entire NFL, but it is still likely that Vick would struggle if he had to take over for Romo. While Dez Bryant is also one of the top wide receivers in the game, it is unlikely that Vick would be able to get him the football on a consistent basis. The Cowboys would likely have to rely on rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot, and that is a lot to put on a young player that has never even played a down in the NFL.
#NFL Rumors – Michael Vick somewhat openly lobbies for the #Cowboys to sign him: https://t.co/JaiKBoz039
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 7, 2016
Regardless, the Cowboys have to figure out a reliable option at the backup quarterback position. While it is not easy to find a productive backup, the Cowboys are in trouble if Romo has to miss more than a few games. Even in a weak NFC East last year, the Cowboys were unable to overcome Romo’s injury, and a huge opportunity may have been missed for a deep playoff run.
As expected, Vick was asked if he has been in touch with the Cowboys.
“There hasn’t been any contact as of late but you have to be patient with this game. I understand what goes on in the process that has to happen for that to take place.”
And Vick is right. The process has to happen, and the Cowboys have to see what they have in the preseason with the other quarterbacks on their roster. Vick is a known commodity at this point in his career, and there is a chance that the Cowboys see him as the best option to be Romo’s backup. If that happens, the team’s backup quarterback situation could actually be direr than originally thought.
Either way, the Dallas Cowboys go as Romo goes. If he remains healthy for most of the year, they are the favorites to win the NFC East.
[Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images]
