Buffalo Bills to target Michael Vick, Mark Sanchez?

By Evan Massey | Mar 1, 2015

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) sits on the bench after being pulled from the game during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Bills could look to sign either Michael Vick or Mark Sanchez this coming offseason in free agency to compete for their starting quarterback job.

When Rex Ryan was hired to be the new Buffalo Bills’ head coach, there was immediately a lot of excitement surrounding the hire. He will add the type of attitude and demanding presence that could help Buffalo get over the hump, but there are still quite a few needs for the Bills heading into next season. One of them is at the quarterback position.

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There are quite a few free agent quarterbacks on the market, but there aren’t many that are capable of stepping into a starting role.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk, both Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez could end up being options for them in free agency. Both players have had a history with Ryan, and Sanchez especially would make a lot of sense after a solid showing as the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback last season.

During the 2014 season, Sanchez ended up playing in nine games. He threw for 2,418 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Sanchez was the starting quarterback that took the New York Jets to the AFC Championship game two straight seasons under Ryan.

Vick, on the other hand, spent all of last season with the Jets as a backup and spot starter. Neither he or Geno Smith showed any signs of being a legitimate NFL starter, but that could have something to do with what the Jets were working with on offense for the majority of the season. He threw for 604 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also running for 153 yards.

As of right now, E.J. Manuel is penciled in as the Bills’ starting quarterback. He didn’t play terribly last season in limited playing time, but he certainly isn’t the type of quarterback that could lead Buffalo to a Super Bowl. Manuel ended up throwing for 838 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions in the five games that he played in 2014.

Needless to say, the Bills are going to be searching desperately for a new quarterback. Sanchez is definitely the best option on the market, while Vick would push Manuel a bit. There is always a chance that the Bills try to use a pick in the draft to bring in a new quarterback or go after another free agent. If they can acquire a legitimate starting caliber NFL quarterback, they should be just fine moving forward and should get back into playoff contention.

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