By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

To conclude the week on Michael Vick, NFL sources are stating that Commissioner Goodell and Michael Vick met late Wednesday night. Apparently the meeting lasted 3 hours and it appears that it will be announced next week that he will be “conditionally reinstated”. The condition being he will face a four game suspension whenever a team signs him. While a four game suspension seems like a bit much for a guy who has already missed 32 games ($70 Million in salary), the fact that he’s getting that much closer to being allowed to electrify fans once again is progress nonetheless. Enough with the REAL…it’s time to jump into the REAL FUN! So where will Vick call home? See below.

6. Steelers: One may wonder why the defending champs would be interested in the risk, its simple they have nothing to lose. Pittsburgh introduced us to “Slash” back in the 90’s when Kordell Stewart did everything but win a Super Bowl. The AFC is consistently tough. With the likes of the Patriots, Colts, Chargers and Titans doing whatever they can to get better it would not be surprising if the Steelers looked into signing Vick just so no one else can. As for Vick signing with a historic franchise with a National fan base like the Steelers have may be just what he needs a HUGE fan base that shows him some love.

5. Saints: The Saints are a very interesting candidate. Coach Sean Payton is an offensive “Guru” and would love a toy like Michael Vick. Imagine Mike backing up the dynamic arm of Drew Brees, coming in to run the Wildcat offense with Vick and Reggie Bush in the same backfield. Sounds exciting? I think so. Not to mention Mike would now be on the other end of the Falcons-Saints rivalry bringing excitement once again to the South. I’m not sure how this would go over with Fans in the Georgia Dome but exciting nonetheless.

4. Rams- It seems like it’s been decades since St. Louis featured the “Greatest Show on Turf”. From Kurt Warner and the cast of many to Marc Bulger. It’s safe to say that after selecting in the top 5 in the draft the past two seasons, that the Rams could use a boost of Vitamin V. Mike would definitely bring a dynamic to a team that’s been like watching paint dry for the past few years. Fans would again have a reason to support the Rams and in a weak conference like the AFC West they wouldn’t dominate but hopefully compete.

3. Seahawks- Since last year I’ve been thinking Seattle may be the best option for Mike. It’s the furthest destination from Virginia. The Fans (known as the 12rh Man) would go wild in even pre-season games at his appearance on the field. Also, the new head coach Jim Mora last manned the sidelines when Mike was the starting QB in Atlanta. The two seemed to work well with one another, which would be a great reunion for the two. Mike would have an easier transition to his coaching style and offense and Jim would have one of his favorite toys at his disposal yet again. Lastly, Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t been the same since the Super Bowl. He’s battled injuries and quickly fallen to mediocrity. If nothing else Matt could use the push from a motivated Mike and if he’s hit with the injury bug yet again Mora & Mike would attempt to right their wrongs from their Atlanta days.

2. Patriots- New England is honestly my dark horse and favorite team for Mike to land. The Pats obviously boast a winning tradition. Their solid core of veterans, coaching staff and management would be just what the doctor ordered for a guy that NEEDS football to improve his image. The Pats are not only supported by the city of Boston but the New England region! The organization has proved that they could turn guy’s careers and reputations around. From Corey Dillon to Randy Moss. Not to mention after a tough year without Tom Brady, Matt Cassell stepped in and eventually OUT to Kansas City. So who will backup Tom terrific? And with the Patriots “win at any cost” attitude (see video gate) I wouldn’t be surprised to see Belichick take a chance on Mike and help to turn his career and image around.

1. 49ers: Over the past week I’ve thought and thought about the official winner of the Michael Vick sweepstakes and the only team colors that surfaces are those of the San Francisco 49ers. First, their QB’s on the roster are Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Damon Huard (stop laughing). All guys who should be nothing more than Geico guys (insurance to the starters). Next, their head coach Mike Singletary. Yes, his namesake is strong enough to instill confidence and make him work hard on the field as well as off it to repair his life. Also, Coach Singletary knows how to handle to media when the circus would eventually follow Mike to the Bay Area. Another reason this is the perfect match is because they 49ers have NO expectations to be great. They’ve performed so badly in the past that any improvements is acceptable at this point, therefore there wouldn’t be any pressure on MV7 to “disrupt chemistry”, if anything the team would rally around their new teammate and have a new purpose on Sundays, to prove all doubters wrong. The 49ers seem to be a struggling franchise when it comes to ticket sales and with an attraction like Mike it could instantly improve box office sales. The organization has alum such as Hall of Fame QB Steve Young (who has worked with Mike in the past) that would come around support Mike and become one of his many needed allies. The distance between San Francisco and Newport News is far enough away to allow Mike to have a fair shot at a second chance in life. With the likes of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree the addition of Vick (once he’s in shape and learned the offense) they would be able to compete in the “weak” NFC West. Ironically 3 of the 4 teams in the division made my top 6. The only team not to make it was the defending Conference Champs (Arizona Cardinals). If I’m a 49er I’m putting pressure on management to look into the 29 year-old Vick the same way Vikings players have done for the 40-year-old Favre.   

 If you disagree with my #1 selection (or order) let me know how you see things playing out!