If Michael Vick's upcoming visit with the New York Jets leads to a contract, he won't be signing on to mentor Geno Smith.
Metro New York's Kristian Dyer reports, per a team source, Vick will be given a chance to compete with Smith if the Jets do sign the veteran.
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It's confirmation that Vick will get his wish for a starting opportunity rather than simply holding a clipboard.
"Nothing beyond that is guaranteed," the source told Dyer. "Geno has a bright future. We certainly drafted him thinking he can start in this league and he did last year. But competition is important to this franchise and Michael will know that if he comes here, he will be expected to compete. That will be our message."
If it's a fair competition, we believe Vick will win it.
He has years of experience in Marty Mornhinweg's offense. He also gives Rex Ryan a better chance to win now with an improved offense and a defensive front seven that is among the league's most stout.
If the increasingly injury-prone Vick is lost for a lengthy period, the Jets can still turn to Smith as insurance.
The match makes sense from the perspective of Vick and the Jets.
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