New York Jets: Stay or Go, Michael Vick Edition

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Time to take another look at the Jets roster. Several days ago, we started writing this “Stay or Go” series. So far, we have debated the topic of Percy Harvin, David Harris, and Kyle Wilson. Now we take a look a very hotly debated topic, the quarterback position.

Specifically, we are going to talk about Michael Vick. Vick was a debated topic when he was signed prior to the 2014 season. Many loved the signing, yet many, myself included, did not. To his credit, however, Vick was the veteran influence that he was asked to be. He didn’t cause trouble while sitting on the bench. Should the Jets bring him back for 2015?

Let’s talk about the pros and cons.

Next: The Experience

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s look at the career stats:

Passing

Clearly, Michael Vick fits the bill with the “experience” factor. Vick has been doing this a long time. Without him, we have Geno Smith, and Matt Simms on the roster. The draft may add a third member to that group. The Jets quarterback room, without Michael Vick, is very much without experience.

Michael Vick certainly is a veteran.

Next: Alternative Veterans

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) rushes against the New York Jets during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

So we have established that the Jets would very much benefit from having an experienced quarterback on the roster. But, take a look at the available free agents here.

If the Jets don’t go with Michael Vick, who do you like here? Matt Moore? Maybe Matt Hasselback. But, if you don’t think Hasselback will come here, look at that list. Who on there would serve the purpose of a good veteran influence? I just don’t see anyone on this list that would fit the bill.

There has been talk about Jay Cutler splitting from Chicago. If that happens, I still don’t believe that to be a great fit. Cutler is another guy that doesn’t take care of the football, with 44 interceptions over the last three seasons.

An argument can be made that for one more season, Michael Vick is the best answer to compete as a veteran, and be a veteran influence if he gets beaten out.

Let’s say the Jets don’t take a veteran. We have Geno Smith, Matt Simms, and a draft pick (maybe). Do you guys WANT to go into camp that way? I would think not. Somebody has to be here to fill the bill. Why not Vick?

Next: The Financial Factor

Dec 29, 2014; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets chairman and chief executive officer Woody Johnson addresses the media regarding the dismissal of general manager John Idzik (not pictured) and head coach Rex Ryan (not pictured) at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Bringing Michael Vick wouldn’t cost much either. He was only here on a $4 million deal. I can’t imagine that Mike Maccagnan, Woody Johnson and company would have to break the bank to bring Michael Vick back.

Michael Vick would be a very affordable option.

Next: Does Vick Want to Return?

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The major question is what Michael Vick wants next year. Granted, he was a good member of the locker room last season. I expected him to be a problem, he wasn’t. Let’s give Michael Vick credit where credit is due.