NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy isn't some ordinary pundit when it comes to the subject of Michael Vick.
Dungy, the former Indianapolis Colts coach, is Vick's personal advisor. They presumably discuss significant matters that pertain to Vick getting his life and football career together.
Any counseling certainly would include where Vick will try to reestablish himself as an NFL quarterback, something that hasn't happened with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles hold a club option on Vick for 2010 at a salary of $5.2 million -- a hefty sum for a third-string quarterback they can't figure out how to use.
Dungy confirmed on "Football Night in America" the Buffalo Bills had talks with Vick before he signed with the Eagles. Dungy called the Bills "a dark horse" to sign Vick for next season.
"I told Michael to just worry about this year," Dungy said. "It's technically up to Philadelphia. If they want him back, he has to stay there. If they don't, there are some teams looking for quarterbacks: Cleveland, St. Louis and Washington.
"But I think a dark horse is Buffalo. They talked originally. There was some communication there. I think that could be a good spot."
Vick joined the Eagles after serving 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting business. He has completed 2 of 6 pass attempts for 6 yards and have rushed 11 times for 25 yards.
Vick's handlers have to be encouraged by the way Western New York has provided receiver Terrell Owens with a tranquil season after a career marked by controversy. Maybe the Bills can be a safe harbor to let Vick get his career back together.
The move would work for the Bills. They have been more about big splashes than building a winner lately and could be in the market for a starting quarterback.
Trent Edwards, a third-round draft choice in 2007, is injury-prone and hasn't played up to expectations. Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed during the offseason as a backup.
That the Bills were speaking with Vick before the season suggests they weren't totally satisfied with their quarterback situation months ago -- before they fired their offensive coordinator, before the no-huddle offense fizzled, before Edwards suffered another concussion.