Rex Ryan: Michael Vick not a 'bad-weather quarterback'

ByMike Rodak ESPN logo
Friday, August 7, 2015

Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan considered signing free-agent quarterback Michael Vick this offseason but decided against it, Ryan told NBC Sports Radio on Friday.

"I had a conversation with Mike," Ryan said. "Mike's an outstanding athlete, he's a tremendous person. I really enjoyed my year with Mike [last season with the Jets], and he's great for a team. However, our conditions are a little different than most teams in this league. And Mike will tell you, he's not built really [to be] a bad-weather quarterback. He doesn't have great, big hands, and the weather affects him some. And he'd be the first one to tell you.

"You get the wind that we're gonna have in our stadium and the snow and all that stuff, that's not in his best interests. And quite honestly, I considered it. We considered it. And I know that's not the spot for him."

Vick, 35, remains unsigned after spending last season with the New York Jets, who were coached by Ryan.

In 10 games last season, including three starts, Vick completed 52.9 percent of his passes and posted a 68.3 quarterback rating.

Instead of signing Vick, the Bills traded for veteran Matt Cassel and signed former Baltimore Ravens backup Tyrod Taylor this offseason. Cassel and Taylor are competing for the starting job in training camp.

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