The veteran quarterback that the Dallas Cowboys should consider
By Tyrone Starr
With a very thin market out there for quarterbacks, the Dallas Cowboys should seriously consider bringing in free agent Michael Vick for a backup role.
It’s not exactly the worst case scenario, but it’s not that far from it either, especially given how the 2015 season turned out at the position of quarterback.
This time, instead of losing the indispensable Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboys lost his backup Kellen Moore to a horrible leg injury which will keep him out at least three months and likely for the entire year.
Just two practices into training camp, the Cowboys are right back in the unfortunate spot of scrambling to figure out what to do at the game’s most important position.
Even with Moore, the experience behind Romo was sketchy at best. Without Moore, it’s laughable. 2016 fourth round selection Dak Prescott becomes the new number two while unknown Jameill Showers assumes the third spot.
Making matters worse, the Cowboys have to continue to save wear and tear on Romo by giving him frequent days off, meaning that Prescott and Showers are going to get plenty of reps.
While that may seem like a good thing and ultimately could end up being so, for a team that has deep playoff aspirations, the position is not envious.
Of course, Dallas attempted to fill the void immediately, engaging in preliminary talks with free agent Nick Foles and exploring trade scenarios for Cleveland backup Josh McCown.
Foles decided to take his talents north of Dallas, signing with his former coach Andy Reid in Kansas City while McCown still wears brown and orange as he fights for a starting spot in Cleveland.
Beyond that, the pool is shallow and that’s being nice.
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There is one name out there that is quite intriguing. One guy who used to be one of the league’s brightest stars and has become a solid veteran as he nears the end of his career.
That guy is none other than Michael Vick.
Last year, when Pittsburgh lost their quarterback for a few games, Vick came in, kept the ship afloat and led the Steelers to a 2-1 record. That only loss being a fluke loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Vick didn’t wow you statistically but he did protect the football while completing 60% of his passes.
Having someone who can actually step in and win games seems to be a novel concept to Cowboys fans who had to endure the dumpster fire that was Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel‘s performances of last year.
Adding Vick would also help Prescott and Showers as both of them play the game in the same manner that Vick used to in his prime. His tutelage in that aspect would be invaluable to two young guys trying to make a name for themselves in this league.
Lastly, Vick seems not only ready but eager for the opportunity.
Speaking to Rich Eisen on Thursday on the Rich Eisen Show, this is what Vick had to say regarding where he’s at right now and if Dallas has reached out to him
"No contact as of late but you gotta be patient with this game. I understand what goes on and the processes that have to take place. I’m more than patient. Every day I get a chance to work and get into top shape and try to be in better shape than I was last year in case something happens and I have to go out and perform. I just want to be able to do my best and excel. That’s what is most important. I’ll be ready to go if I get the call."
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When Eisen continued to take Vick’s temperature so to speak regarding signing with the Cowboys, Vick replied:
"Absolutely, every kid growing up wants to put that Star on their helmet."
Looking at the other options, it’s hard to find anyone better than Vick. If the Cowboys want to cover themselves in case Romo has to miss a game or two, the veteran quarterback could be a perfect fit for a team trying to contend for a Super Bowl.