MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins saw enough potential in Marcus Vick -- both on- and off-the-field -- to believe he deserves a chance
as a free agent.
Vick, the brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, signed
with the Dolphins on Monday, agreeing to a free-agent deal after
his many problems at Virginia Tech cost him a chance to be selected
in the NFL draft.
"As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research,
including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth
analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a
free agent is a risk worth taking," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said
in a statement released by the team.
"I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any
behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick. Marcus
acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has
resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn
that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the
future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his
career as a professional player."
"As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking."
-- Dolphins coach Nick Saban
Vick, who participated in a three-day mini-camp with the Dolphins
earlier this month, completed 177 of 289 passes for 2,393 yards
with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading Virginia Tech to
an 11-2 record and berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference title
game in 2005.
But his career with the Hokies included many transgressions. He
made an obscene gesture to fans during a game at West Virginia, and
stomped on Louisville player Elvis Dumervil's leg during the Gator
Bowl.
Vick was suspended by Virginia Tech for the 2004 season because
of legal problems, then was eventually dismissed from the team
after being stopped for speeding and driving with a revoked or
suspended license.
The Dolphins are listing Vick as a "wide receiver-quarterback-specialist," clearly indicating that he could be tried in a number of roles.
The Dolphins are listing Vick as a "wide
receiver-quarterback-specialist," clearly indicating that he could
be tried in a number of roles.
During the recent mini-camp, Vick spent at least one practice
session at wide receiver, and probably isn't being looked at as a
serious quarterback candidate -- not with newcomers Daunte Culpepper
and Joey Harrington now at that position.
Miami signed three other free agents Monday: tight end Keith Heinrich, linebacker Keith Newman and cornerback Michael Lehan.
Heinrich was on Cleveland's injured reserve list for the entire
2005 season with a knee injury and has played in 18 games since
being drafted by Carolina in 2002.
Newman has played with Buffalo, Atlanta and Minnesota in seven
seasons, starting 76 of 92 games and recording 407 tackles, 23
sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and seven forced
fumbles.
Lehan, like Vick, attended the rookie minicamp this month on a
tryout basis. He spent the last three seasons with the Browns and
made 32 appearances, including four starts.