Convinced that Vick was sincere in his desire to right the wrongs that led him into a federal prison and cut two years off his football career, Reid had visions of the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in an Eagles uniform.
Imagine Michael Vick lining up in the backfield for direct snaps from center, then taking off up field on one of those trademark runs that made him the most feared running quarterback in NFL history.
When the meeting ended, Roseman called Joe Banner.
"We just had a meeting and Vick's name came up," Roseman told the Eagles' president. "Andy is going to give you a call about it."
Donovan McNabb. Brian Westbrook. DeSean Jackson. Michael Vick. Think of what the offense can do with so many superb athletes at the disposal of Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
Reid, as Roseman promised, called Banner.
"What do you think?" the coach asked the team president.
"We have to think about it," Banner told Reid.
Michael Vick can be a quarterback, a running back or a wide receiver. He can be a secret weapon. He can help the Eagles win that elusive Super Bowl.
"We went through the pluses from a football perspective," Banner said. "I said, 'Good, because if it wasn't for that, we'd have nothing to talk about.' "
Given the sales pitch Reid had offered Banner about Michael Vick the player, there was now plenty to talk about and a lot of legwork to be done. Banner had questions for Reid: "What research have you done? Who have you talked to? What made this come up? I asked all the questions anyone would have asked if they were in my job."
