Falcons Release 7

((HT: WAGA-TV/MyFoxAtlanta))

The Atlanta Falcons release quarterback Michael Vick ((pictured, thanks Curtis Compton/AJC)).

In a statement, the Falcons said "Michael remains suspended by the NFL. However, in the event NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decides to reinstate Michael, we feel his best opportunity to re-engage his football career would be at another club

Our entire organization sincerely hopes that Michael will continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard.”

Vick was drafted by the Falcons in 2001 and played six seasons with the team (2001-2006).

D. Orlando Ledbetter continues for the AJC:

“It’s a situation that we have been thinking about for quite some time,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We did our due diligence. We’ve been searching around the league and were looking for some interest as far as a trade.

“In the very end, we came to a conclusion that it was time. It was best for both us and Michael Vick to move on, to turn the chapter.”

The Falcons said several teams were interested in trading for Vick.

“But in the very end, without mentioning the teams, they just felt like it was not the right time to do it for them,” Dimitroff said. “We just decided to move forward.”

Dimitroff delivered the news to Vick with a personal phone call.

“He was accepting of it, as you could imagine,” Dimitroff said. “He was expecting it, I’m sure. He was upbeat.

“We respect him as an individual and as an athlete in this profession. It was the right thing to do. I’m happy that we had a conversation today.”
Vick remains suspended and would have to be reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

But his release allows him to negotiate with other teams. NFL franchises can sign suspended players, according to the league office.

He also is now free to consider options in the Canadian Football League or with the United Football League that is set to open play in the fall.

“Everybody already knew that Michael would not be playing with the Falcons,” said Joel Segal, Vick’s longtime agent said. “He’s just taking it one day at a time.”

The Falcons will take a $7.11 million salary cap hit this season. They are currently about $20 million under the $128 million cap.

Vick had a prorated bonus number of $6.43 million for the 2009 season and an additional $680,000 — his prorated bonus for 2010 — to create the $7.11 million salary cap hit.

This amount would not necessarily hinder the Falcons because most teams operate with as much as 10 percent of “dead cap money.”

“We budgeted for it,” Dimitroff said of the $680,000 acceleration. “It’s small. He’s off the cap next year.”

Falcons Look To Move Vick

In a story written by FOSG Paul Newberry, Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons will try to trade the contract rights on Michael Vick ((pictured, thanks signonsandiego.com)) to another team. In an interview that appeared on the team's Web site, Dimitroff said, "With regards to Michael Vick, we've decided to seek a trade of his contractual rights to another NFL club."

Vick is currently in federal prison on felony charges related to dogfighting and is scheduled to be released in July. He has a contract that runs to 2013 and calls for him to receive a base salary of $9 million and a bonus of $6.43 million in 2009. The remainder of the contract is worth $45.11 million, with another possible $3 million in Pro Bowl bonuses.

"We feel a trade is the best move for the Falcons, and it's also in the best interest for Michael," Dimitroff said. "This has been a really unique situation from a variety of standpoints and because we will actively be involved in a trade situation, I don't envision our organization speaking any more about this subject publicly until it's reached a resolution."

He said the Falcons have had no discussions with other teams because Vick is under suspension by the NFL, "but we think some teams might be interested in exploring a trade."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello on Friday reiterated commissioner Roger Goodell's statement when he suspended Vick on August 24 2007 that he will review Vick's status when legal proceedings are done. Vick's attorneys did not immediately return e-mail or telephone messages left at their offices.

Dimitroff said if the Falcons are unable to complete a trade, they will re-evaluate. He said a decision would be made that is in the best interest of the team.

Those of us at OSG HQ would remind Mr. Dimitroff to give the Oakland Raiders a call- or, maybe, coach Jim Fassel in the United Football League. The march for redemption continues the milli-second Seven hits the half-way house.