Vick stunningly lukewarm on Geno, possible 2015 return
Michael Vick
Michael Vick is unsure of his own future, and Geno Smith’s.
The Jets backup quarterback said he would like to keep playing in 2015, but he does not sound like he is clamoring for a second season with the Jets. His contract is up at the end of the year.
“I don’t know,” Vick said when asked if he’d like to stay with Gang Green. “I couldn’t say right now. I’d have to talk to my agent and see what’s the best situation for me. Obviously, this organization has to do what’s best for them. I really can’t say right now, but hopefully I have a chance to play somewhere and continue to give that effort.”
Vick, 34, started three games for the Jets in the middle of the season before the team switched back to Smith. Vick said he’s not ready to just be a backup.
“I still feel like I can start,” he said. “I still feel like I can play at a high level, like I said. I think with the right talent around me and good structure I feel like I can win some games.
“I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank. I can’t say it’s five years worth, but maybe it’s a good solid two. I’m just going to train for that, get ready for that and set my mind-set. If it doesn’t happen and I have to grind my way back up to a starting position, then that’s what it will be. I think at the end of the day my mind-set is to just continue to play football. I love the game. I want to continue to play until it’s all out of me.”
Vick spent this year mentoring Smith, who has struggled. The Jets face a decision on moving forward with Smith or moving on. Vick said he did not know how he would evaluate Smith if asked by management.
“I wouldn’t know. Honestly, I wouldn’t know,” he said. “Hopefully, whoever is doing the evaluations can see what they need to see. … There’s some room for improvement. There is with all of us in this locker room.”
After saying that, Vick added: “Don’t misconstrue that.”
He then praised Smith.
“I think Geno has a lot of potential to be a great quarterback in this league,” he said. “For some guys it takes more time. There’s a lot of different moving parts that goes along with a quarterback being successful.”
