Vince Young’s Next Chapter

I have followed Vince Young closely since my freshmen year at the University of Texas when he led the Longhorns to a NCAA National Championship in superhuman fashion, carrying the team on his back to beat the two time defending champion University of Southern California Trojans. Since then he has had moments of grand success and demoralizing failures in the National Football League while playing for the Tennessee Titans who drafted him 3 rd overall in 2006. Despite winning Rookie of the Year, earning two Pro-Bowl selections and leading the team to the playoffs during his tenure with the organization, the team benched Vince last season and decided they wanted to move in a new direction this year, cemented by their selection of former Washington Husky quarterback Jake Locker with the 8 th overall pick in April’s draft. Despite the embarrassing setback for Vince, this situation could lead him to find great success and reach his full potential with the right team.

Several team’s are in search of a Quarterback for the upcoming season and once the lockout ends, VY will find a home, but the question remains as to where? Looking around the league, I see many teams that could not only use Vince but should sign him in order to solidify the most important position in the game. Minnesota, Miami, Seattle, Washington, Oakland, San Francisco are the teams with some of the biggest mystery surrounding the quarterback position and one of them should end up with the former Pro-Bowler once the lockout ends.

Vince has been working out this summer in Texas with Viking All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson and would give Minnesota a running attack unmatched by any other squad in the league. Just like when he was paired with Chris Johnson in Tennessee, Young would take pressure off of AP by giving defenses another player in the backfield to worry about carrying the ball. However Minnesota drafted Christian Ponder with the 12 th overall pick this year, and while questions remain as to his readiness to adapt to life in the NFL, a selection that high means he will probably be the starter at some point this year meaning that Vince will most likely sign elsewhere.

Miami could bring Young in to not only compete with Chad Henne, but to run the wildcat offense if he does not win the starting job. He would kill two birds with one stone in this scenario and if he plays like he is capable, he could be the man who finally fills the giant shoes left behind by Hall of Famer Dan Marino. This would be an ideal situation for both parties with the potential reward strongly outweighing the risk. The Dolphins may prefer to add Carson Palmer, but Young is an extremely attractive and younger option.

Seattle is coming off a surprising playoff appearance and first round win over the New Orleans Saints. Matt Hasselback could be moving on to a new team and Charlie Whitehouse proved ineffective last season. Coach Pete Carroll decided not to select a quarterback in the draft and will probably give consideration to the player that led his team to a victory over Carroll’s Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl. Due to the length of the lockout, Hasselbeck will most likely be resigned, but Young would be a terrific addition for this young team.

Washington might be the most likely place for Vince to end up, due to their strong need for quarterback competition. Donovan Mcnabb is most likely gone and Rex Grossman is a free agent, leaving unproven John Beck as the lone quarterback on the roster. The Skins have a strong defense but a below par offense and Young could provide the spark needed for them to get back on track. Mike Shanahan is a Super bowl winning coach who might be able to build the perfect chemistry with the strong willed Young.

Oakland, despite having Jason Campbell and coming off an 8-8 record this past season, will no doubt be enticed be Young. Unlike recent bust JaMarcus Russell, Vince’s love for the game of football has never been questioned and Al Davis is not one to shy away from gifted players with a troubled history. He would give the team a perfect mix of speed and arm strength at QB and could very well end up reviving his career with a team known for giving second chances.

San Francisco should consider bringing in Young to work with former NFL quarterback and new head coach Jim Harbaugh. This situation would give Vince more talent to work with than he has ever had in the form of running back Frank Gore, receiver Mike Crabtree, tight end Vernon Davis as well as a young and talented offensive line. The combination of a strong coach and excellent supporting roster would unquestionably serve to help Vince reach his full potential.

Each one of these teams could use Young, but at the end of the day I see it coming down to Miami, Washington, or San Francisco. They would all benefit greatly be adding Vince and as a fan and follower of his career, I hope he regains the form that left so many in awe of his remarkable athletic ability.

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By Jake M. Wertheim
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer