OPINION

By Mike Florio

updated 2:15 p.m. ET May 23, 2009

So let's assume quarterback Mike Vick applies for reinstatement as of July 20, the day on which his federal sentence ends. Let's also assume commissioner Roger Goodell fast-tracks the complex process of deciding whether Vick's conduct merits further time away from the game. And let's assume Goodell decides to impose no additional punishment.

Under that scenario, Vick could be reinstated possibly by the end of August, only a week or so before the regular season starts.

So who would be interested in signing Vick (or, possibly, working out a trade with the Falcons, who still hold his rights), given that he hasn't played football since 2006 and he will have missed all offseason and preseason workouts, practices and games?

Let's look at 10 possible NFL destinations:

New England Patriots
There's a buzz right now that Vick would be a good fit in New England. The Pats were interested in quarterback Pat White as a candidate to run the Wildcat offense. And since White is regarded as a poor man's Mike Vick, why not pursue the now poor man (relatively speaking) named Vick?

The fact the Patriots took a chance two years ago on potential problem-child receiver Randy Moss, supposedly considered drafting last month potential problem-child receiver Percy Harvin and ultimately selected in Round 3 potential problem-child Brandon Tate makes some believe coach Bill Belichick would be willing to take a chance on Vick.

The great unknown is the attitude of ownership. Will Robert Kraft and his wife, Myra, allow the Patriots to embrace Vick, given the heinous nature of his past conduct?

Buffalo Bills
We already know the Bills are willing to do a deal with the devil to win football games, given that they'll be paying $6.5 million guaranteed this year to receiver Terrell Owens. The reaction in Buffalo has not been revulsion but euphoria.

As a result, some league insiders think the Bills would try to add Vick, either as a Wildcat option or as essentially a joint starting quarterback with Trent Edwards.

Here's the simple reality: Both Owens and Vick are virtually certain to behave for at least a year. And owner Ralph Wilson is 90 years old.

Frankly, If I'm lucky enough to embark on a 10th decade on the planet (and if I happen to inherit a football team from a wealthy relative by then), I'd likely be willing to take the chance that a guy like Vick will stay out of trouble for however many more football seasons the great Referee in the Sky allows me to enjoy.

Cincinnati Bengals
Here's another team that's desperate to win. It also has a history of acquiring players based on talent, without regard to their off-field misconduct.

Eagles sign Michael Vick Vote: Did Eagles make right move signing Vick? 'I've done some terrible things,' Vick says Eagles owner reverses stance on dog fighting Eagles have interesting decision in 2010 Eagles sign Vick to one-year deal  |    Video Curran: Vick needs Eagles, they don't need him PFT: Eagles' Reid picked Vick 'sight unseen' PFT: McNabb says he's happy with Vick move PFT: This proves one thing — believe nobody PFT: Bengals reportedly made offer to Vick also The Grio: The return of the prodigal quarterback Newsweek: C'mon, give Vick another chance PFT: Vick expresses remorse on ‘60 Minutes’   Slideshow: Images of Vick's career Timeline of Vick's dogfighting career

In Cincinnati, Vick would provide a compelling change of pace to the slow-footed Carson Palmer, and Vick as a pass-catcher could add some juice to a wideout corps that will miss T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Vick's presence also might be the thing that gets receiver Chad Johnson to quit thinking about what could be if he were traded and to embrace what might be if he sticks around.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Here's another team that hasn't shied away in the past from taking gambles on men who need second chances. Though the Jags supposedly are changing in this regard, coach Jack Del Rio realizes he's inching toward the thinner portions of the ice, and so he might be willing to take a risk on a dynamic player like Vick.

Stuck in one of the toughest divisions in the league, the Jaguars need any edge they can get. Otherwise, they potentially could be left in the dust by the Colts, Titans, and Texans.

This year, that could leave Del Rio out of a job.

Let's face reality: Regardless of his role, Vick would be an upgrade over what the Jaguars have at the various skill positions, with the exception of Maurice Jones-Drew.

Oakland Raiders
On the surface, Vick fits the ultimate profile for the franchise that should add to its trademark catch phrases the inscription that appears at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

But the Raiders seemingly have had their fill lately of high-profile acquisitions. And their experience with Vick's good friend DeAngelo Hall might have scared them away from ever drafting or signing any former Virginia Tech players.

Still, Vick is a remarkable talent. And, most important for the Raiders' purposes, he's really, really fast.

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