Michael Vick. The debate rages. Words spew like venom from all points, lat and longitudinal, throughout the country. The days of 'what if' have passed. Standing in place, awaiting its moment, is the newly minted 'where and when' verbage that will dominate debates for months to come. We will hear bold declarations detailing the positives and negatives associated with a Vick association. There will be moral wrestling complete with emotions and accusations. In the end, the decision will rest upon the shoulders of thirty-something owners who will have to weigh the scales of profitability and need versus public persona. On the heels of Vick's release from Federal custody to home incarceration, we shift to potential NFL employers for the embattled quarterback.

This list, though obviously speculative was formed through a process of elimination. Beginning with the teams who have a quarterback and do not run the Wildcat, we have:

Giants  Eagles    Bears    Lions    Packers    Falcons    Buccaneers    Saints    Steelers                                                                                                                                              Colts    Jets    Chargers    Ravens    Bengals    Raiders    Titans

Barring something extremely unexpected (Raiders?), these 16 teams should be out of contention from the start.  We now eliminate the teams who have quarterbacks and backups in place and do not necessarily run the Wildcat. A quick note. Running the Wildcat formation is not a prerequisite for interest in Vick but it does pique and heighten interest:

Cardinals    Chiefs    Dolphins     

Who's left?

Buffalo Bills - Thanks to ProFootballTalk.com, this rumor has been taking off! What seemed far fetched only days ago has been converted into a possibility. Personally, I feel Trent Edwards' QB ego is still in the developmental stage and Buffalo may not want to ruffle his feathers by signing Vick. Add on Terrell Owens and it presents itself as too much of a circus for the city of Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers - Jake Delhomme is not getting any younger and the same can be generally said for the Panthers. If Delhomme flops, they may need some seasoned insurance that Vick could provide. They also run the risk of QB controversy, which traditionally they shy away from.

Cleveland Browns - All of a sudden, Eric Mangini is a quarterback genius who seems to be looking for something better. To his credit, he did run the Wildcat with Brad Smith so Vick may be an option. Mangini may be looking at a cooldown after all the rumors of activity during the Draft.   

Dallas Cowboys - Intriguing. It depends on Tony Romo's maturation. If Romo stumbles again, Vick would be a viable option for Jerry Jones, an owner unafraid of controversy. Texas is the type of place that Vick could thrive, contingent upon his public remorse and if he wins! 

Denver Broncos - There is clear instability at the QB position in Denver. The time might be right for Josh McD to insert experience over unsurety. Two questions. Will Pat Bowlen, who was clearly grieved over the loss of his franchise QB, take a gamble on Vick? Secondly, although his mentor is rumored to be interested, will McD dismount his high horse to work with Vick?

Houston Texans - With Gary Kubiak's butt on the BBQ grill, he might not be inclined to take a chance on Vick. Although his current options are not better, the prospect of controversy and urgency of playoffs will not sway Kubiak toward Vick.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Similar to the Texans and Cowboys, the Jags are in a watch and wait situation. They are hoping David Garrard fits the bill and coach Jack Del Rio retains his job at the same time. The second dynamic would tie Del Rio's hands as, at this point, it would be better for him to be safe and sorry. 

Minnesota Vikings - A hot bed of rumor and activity. The Brett Favre play is still in the works and is now being questioned as a plot to acquire Vick. Whichever way, we know the Vikings are unsettled at quarterback and are sending out feelers. Coach Brad Childress has the internal confidence to make Vick a star again and owner Ziggy Wylf is a regular guy who wants to win.

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick has the confidence in himself similar to Childress. The Pats do run the Wildcat sparsely but that will change as they face Tony Sparano's Dolphins more often. Belichick is intrigued by the formation and the dangerous ability he can add to it. The only issue remains with the Kraft family.

San Francisco 49ers - Mike Singletary has the right mix of discipline and fairness that would cater to Vick. By the way, the Niners also do need a quarterback in the worst way. The obstacle here is the backwards Dysfunctional Duo of Denise DeBartolo and John York. Their bumbling ownership moves have landed them in the category of the Detroit Lions in terms of elite perception.

Seattle Seahawks - Jim Mora will not want to start his tenure in Seattle by rehashing Vick. Mora likes Vick, but not enough to risk his persona at his new digs.

St. Louis Rams - Steve Spagnuolo is the type of guy who can get the most out of players. If Marc Bulger shows himself inconsistent, Vick would look like a strong candidate to replace him. Ownership again is the issue here. Spags may not want to stick his neck out there also in his first head coaching gig.

Washington Redskins - It seems as long as Dan Snyder is the owner, the Skins will always be in the thick of such debates. It's pretty clear and sad that Jason Campbell is unwanted in DC. It's also clear that Snyder would gamble on any player so long as they had potential, either on the field or in the stands. Whichever way, Vick would generate cash for Snyder, an owner in the mold of Jerry Jones with regards to caring about what people think.