As ESPN released a list of the seven teams that have not publicly ruled out signing Michael Vick, my concern grew, due to the fact that the Baltimore Ravens were one of the organizations that was named. Nestled in between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens name glowed, but more with a green kryptonite feel. Needless to say, my mind began to wander, not unlike the majority of Ravens fanatics. Mainly, I was trying to find any reason why the Ravens, a team with three solid QB’s and a reputation much the opposite of what it had been about eight years ago, would even consider signing Vick, or, at least, give the perception that they may offer him a roster spot at some point.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the past couple of years, you know that Vick was convicted of supporting a high-money dog fighting ring. His reputation and image was destroyed because of his commitment to an act that is was seen as horrible and inhumane.

So, the question is, what does Michael Vick do now? Does he hold out hope to get picked up by another NFL team? Does he attempt to sign with a team in the newly formed United Football League for considerably less money than he would see with an NFL franchise?

But, the main question has to be what the Ravens possibly see in the former quarterback. The offensive situation seems to be in control, with backup QB’s Troy Smith and John Beck having a firm grip on their positions. While the Ravens may think they need another wide receiver to add some depth in case of injury, they will most likely lean towards a veteran they can sign to the league minimum. Michael Vick has also never stated that he would be willing to switch positions, although, it may benefit him to do so if any of this reported interest is merely rumor.

But let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. What if Vick agrees to learn a new position in order to upgrade his value to NFL teams? Or, with the rise in popularity over the wildcat offense that Miami made so famous last season, a player like Vick might prove to be valuable. Could any interest the Ravens have revolve around a new, more liberal playbook that Cam Cameron has reported to be opening up this season?

Broken down, the stats look to be in Vick’s favor. While his talent as a solid throwing quarterback has been questioned, his numbers have never been horrible. In 2006 with the Falcons, his last season in the league before his suspension, Vick threw for 20 touchdowns. Combine that with over 1,000 yards rushing and you have an offensive weapon that most teams would not mind having.

However, over the past several years the Ravens have held themselves accountable for having a roster full of players with good character. While the focus is still to put a championship caliber team on the field, Ozzie Newsome has made it a point to do so with players that have not lost sight of how professional athletes should act. Whether it’s drafting an ordained minister in Cedric Peerman, or putting so much influence on community work, the Baltimore Ravens organization holds its head high.

What would a player like Michael Vick do to the character of this team? One would hope that John Harbaugh and his coaching staff, along with Vick’s commitment to turning his life around, would avoid any problems that could be imagined. Ray Lewis and the leaders of this team would, without a doubt, take him under their wing. But, the future is hardly predictable and the Ravens cannot necessarily afford to take a hit to team morale after the early history they have worked so hard to overcome.

Michael Vick brings too much risk to this team. The chemistry is at its highest level since the 2001 season when the Ravens were able to overcome a four game losing streak to find themselves at the top of the NFL mountain. The money he would expect would not be worth paying a player with the luggage he brings with him, not to mention a role as minimal as a wildcat offense specialist. But, while the news that the Ravens have not denied any fact that they may be interested in Vick, they may be playing a game that Ozzie Newsome knows best. He’s not making poor decisions, but instead he is avoiding burning any bridges. By claiming no statement, Newsome and the Ravens are sending a solid message to Vick – If we need you, we’ll call you, but don’t count on it.

In the Ravens eyes, they’ve got to be thinking that there is nothing wrong with looking at any player that they feel can help them. This team is expected to be a contender, so why shouldn’t they consider every option they’ve got?