Buffalo Bills players mixed in response to talk of Michael Vick as quarterback
 

Updated: November 9, 2009, 6:21 PM ET
WR Evans doesn't see Bills eyeing Vick
By Tim Graham
ESPN.com


ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills went into the bye week with plenty of questions. They emerged Monday with another they couldn't have foreseen.

Would Michael Vick be a fit?

Vick's adviser, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, revealed on Sunday night the Bills showed interest in acquiring Vick's services after the controversial quarterback served 18 months in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

Asked if Vick would be a good fit for the Bills, receiver Lee Evans replied, "Probably not. I love him as a player and everything that he's done for the league, but I don't think it'll be anything we'll aggressively go after."

Bills safety Donte Whitner didn't conceal his excitement over the possibility.

"I believe that Michael Vick would be a good fit, and I would encourage whoever to bring Michael Vick in," Whitner said.

The Bills already have two quarterbacks. Trent Edwards is in his second season as the starter.

The Bills also signed former Cincinnati Bengals starter Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the backup, but he has started the past two games while Edwards recovered from a concussion.

Vick is being used sparingly in Philadelphia. He has completed 2 of 6 passes for 6 yards and rushed 12 times for 27 yards, mostly out of the Wildcat formation.

Bills coach Dick Jauron did not address reporters Monday.

"It's really out of my control," Edwards said Monday. "I feel like we've got guys upstairs working those personnel moves, and if they feel like that's going to be the best fit for this team, and they feel like that's going to help us win football games, I'm sure they're going to do that without my opinion on it."

The team issued a statement.

"He is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and we have no comment on it," it read.

NFL tampering rules prevent teams from discussing players under contract to other teams.

But nobody's job is safe with the Bills, who are 3-5 but ranked 29th in total offense, 30th in passing offense. Edwards started by going 1-3 before he was knocked out in a 16-13 overtime win at the New York Jets on Oct. 18. Fitzpatrick rallied the Bills to beat the Jets and then went 1-1 in two starts.

Edwards has one more year left on his contract, while Fitzpatrick signed a three-year deal in free agency this past offseason.

The Bills haven't made the playoffs since 1999, and have had a revolving door at quarterback -- going through nine starters -- since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following the 1996 season.

"When things aren't going well, then you could easily be replaced," Whitner said. "That goes for myself and for anybody in the National Football League. If you're not getting the job done, then they're going to bring in other players. That's how the National Football League goes.

"It's more competition thing. I don't think you're down on anybody who's been at that position. But you bring in other guys that can get the job done and can help you win. I would welcome bringing Michael here."

Tim Graham covers the AFC East for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.


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