for what it's worth, considers him for the randel el role
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/f...dolphins-front
Saban considers risk, signs free-agent Vick
By Craig Barnes
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted May 16 2006
Marcus Vick's future upside on the field was enough for the Dolphins to sign him to a free-agent contract on Monday, despite his substantial downside on and off the field in the past.
"I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick," coach Nick Saban said. "Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has resulted in severe consequences for him.
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"They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional player."
The former quarterback and brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick was dismissed from Virginia Tech in January for what the university described as "a cumulative effect of legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play." Several arrests and on-field incidents contributed to him not being drafted.
"We did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking," Saban said. "Marcus has made a commitment to represent the Dolphins in a first-class manner."
Vick was signed as a quarterback/wide receiver/specialist. The Dolphins also signed cornerback Michael Lehan of Minnesota, an undrafted college free agent like Vick, and linebacker Keith Newman and tight end Keith Heinrich, two unrestricted free agents.
The Dolphins plan to evaluate Vick in the mold of Antwaan Randle El of Washington and Hines Ward of Pittsburgh, former college quarterbacks who are wide receivers with the ability to return punts and kicks and throw passes on gadget plays.
Vick tried out at quarterback and wide receiver during the recent rookie minicamp. He played some at wide receiver in his first two college seasons, but he hasn't returned kicks since high school. He is expected to join the team today.
Newman, a seven-year veteran, fills a depth need a linebacker where he will compete with Donnie Spragan and Sedrick Hodge.
"He is an end-of-line linebacker who can rush the passer," Saban said. "He fills a need that we wanted to address in the offseason, but we weren't able to do it in the draft."
Newman was signed after the trade of opt-injured linebacker Eddie Moore to New Orleans for Courtney Watson was nullified when Moore failed his physical.
Harrington Works Out
QB Joey Harrington, obtained from Detroit on Friday, participated in a practice on Monday.
Rookie center Chris McNeil quit the Dolphins last week, a source said. McNeil was signed as an undrafted college free agent from Mississippi State.
Phins sign Marcus Vick
Theres no stoppin' us, no holdin us back. This is the trick of our trade, this is exactly what we do best!
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