NEW YORK -- Tony Dungy says Michael Vick could potentially wind up in Buffalo, which he says previously discussed signing the quarterback. Vick says playing for the Eagles next year would be "an everyday struggle."
Dungy has served as an adviser to Vick since the Super Bowl-winning coach retired from the Colts after last season. Now a commentator for NBC, Dungy confirmed during the pregame show Sunday night before Philadelphia hosted Dallas that the Bills and Vick "talked originally" when Vick was searching for a team after serving 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.
Live chat: Pat Kirwan
NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan was asked during his weekly live chat if he agrees that Buffalo is a logical fit for Michael Vick.
"I've got to see more from Vick before I think he's a QB I can build around. He appears to have lost some of his 'suddenness,' and is easily tracked down by defenders. At this point, all I see from Michael is an opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
"Buffalo does need a QB, so why not put them in the mix? You can say the same in Washington, St. Louis, Oakland, and Cleveland." **Chat transcript ...**
The Eagles signed Vick to a $1.6 million contract for 2009, with a team option for the second year at $5.2 million. But he has played sparingly.
"I told Michael to just worry about this year," Dungy said. "It's technically up to Philadelphia. If they want him back, he has to stay there. If they don't, there are some teams looking for quarterbacks: Cleveland, St. Louis and Washington.
"But I think a dark horse is Buffalo. They talked originally. There was some communication there. I think that could be a good spot."
Vick has not been the weapon for the Eagles some expected, and he was in for only two plays in their 20-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Vick said his focus is on helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl and not where he'll play next year.
"It's what I thought it would be," Vick said. "I knew I couldn't come in and do anything that would disrupt the rhythm of the offense and what we had going on here. I knew I was going to have to be patient."
Those comments came in contrast to ones he made to Bob Costas, who interviewed Vick earlier in the week for NBC's Football Night in America pre-game show.
"It would be hard," Vick told Costas of returning to the Eagles. "It would be an everyday struggle. But I would have to take that time to hone my skills and get better. I'm excited about the opportunity I have moving forward whether it's with Philadelphia or another team."
Asked about the role he envisions himself in, Vick told NBC that he "won't be a Wildcat guy. I can't. It's a different style of play. It's almost like a hit-or-miss type of thing. My position is quarterback. That's what I was born to do."
Bills starter Trent Edwards struggled this season before sustaining a concussion. Ryan Fitzpatrick, a career backup, has been the starter with Edwards out of the lineup.
Vick didn't want to talk with the Associated Press about potential teams for the 2010 season.
"Me and Tony talked about my position in the future, whether I'm here or whether I'm there," Vick said. "We talked about it, but the primary goal is to help this team win the Super Bowl."
Vick has completed 2 of 6 passes for 6 yards and rushed 12 times for 27 yards, mostly out of the Wildcat formation.
He said he usually talks to Dungy at least once a week and receives "great advice" from his mentor. Vick, who has talked to churches and schools about the poor life choices he's made, has enjoyed his second chance in Philadelphia.
"It's been great," he said. "Every day I wake up and I just thank God I have another opportunity to play football and put on a uniform. That's what I'm thankful for."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
