Young would be good fit

   As it is every offseason, the free agent market for quarterbacks is going to be a thin one.  When the lockout is finally lifted and signings are allowed, teams will have choose from the standard group of career backups, former stars well past their prime and underachievers looking for another shot.



Vince Young, quarterback

   The Bills, who once again passed on adding a young signal caller during the draft, are now left with two quarterbacks on the roster - starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and development project Levi Brown.  Even if the coaches trust Fitzpatrick can help them "win a championship," they are still going to need a backup for 2010.

   As a team in only the second step of rebuilding, there is little value in adding another older player on the back end of their career like Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger or Matt Hasselbeck.  Draft picks are too valuable to wager on an unproven backup like Kevin Kolb (remember how that worked out with Rob Johnson).  Instead, the Bills should take a stab at someone who still has time to develop into an elite passer in the NFL.

   That's why I believe the best fit for this team would be Vince Young.
   Taken third overall in 2006 by Tennessee, there has never been a question about Young's physical talent.  Since he came into the league, the Titans have an impressive 30-17 record with Young as the starter, while only 15-18 with him on the bench.
   Young eventually fell out of favor with the Titans coaches because of immaturity, a questionable work ethic and poor leadership skills.  On top of that, his offensive production was never very good and he seemed to regress in his passing skills.  When the team selected Jake Locker in the first round a couple weeks ago, that clearly signaled the end of Young's career in Tennessee.
   Of course, Young might turn out to be a complete headcase again if he landed with the Bills.  He might never learn to read a defense and he might never progress as a quarterback. 
   But with a change of scenary and a second chance, he could end up being the next Michael Vick. 
   For six years, Vick displayed similar problems on the field as a passer, despite his incredible physical talent and impressive winning record.  His 21-month stint in prison on dog-fighting charges was the nail in the coffin.  When he crawled back to the NFL in 2009, almost nobody wanted to take the "risk" in signing him.
   That was, except for Philadelphia, who brought him on for a minimal contract (with no guarantees) to serve as their third-string quarterback and wildcat specialist.  Within a year, Vick re-emerged with much improved passing ability and claimed the Eagles starting job.  He led the team to the playoffs and spent most of 2010 as a legitimate MVP candidate.
   Looking back, it's almost comical that nobody was willing to take a chance with Vick.  He required very little financial investment, and could have easily been dropped if he caused any disruption to the team. 
   The situation is similar with Young.
   He shouldn't require a massive contract.  For this season, he would certainly be expected to sit behind Fitzpatrick, while developing his talent with quarterback guru Chan Gailey.  Depending on Young's progress and attitude, the opportunity to eventually earn a starting job is there.
   If he fails, the Bills will still be in the market for a passer in next year's draft.  If he succeeds, the team might finally have a player that can consistently lead them into the playoffs.