Troy Smith to Philadelphia Eagles would benefit Smith, Ravens

Michael Vick might have fumbled away his latest opportunity, and that could give Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith an opportunity he won't get here in Baltimore.

Vick is on thin ice with the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL for not steering clear — way clear — of trouble. Probation officials aren't allowing Vick to leave Pennsylvania in the wake of a June 25 shooting at his birthday party in Virginia (though he isn't a suspect).

Vick was scheduled to attend former NFL player Keion Carpenter's football camp at Woodlawn High School on Friday, but was forced to cancel his appearance. He also bailed on another football camp and his own golf tournament this weekend.

The reports vary over Vick's job security in Philly. The Eagles may be reluctant to give him another chance. Enter Troy Smith {photo, at right, by The Baltimore Sun}.

Smith was in line to begin the 2008 season as the Ravens starting QB before his tonsils spontaneously combusted. Joe Flacco got the nod by default in the season opener, awkwardly scrambling for a touchdown before running away with the starting job for good (and rightfully so). Smith has clutched a clipboard since.

This offseason, the Ravens signed veteran Marc Bulger to a one-year deal. Bulger isn't here to be a highly-paid addition to the inactive list. He's the No. 2. And forget the Smith/Wildcat talk; the Ravens don't even run the Wildcat anymore.

Since Smith has more value than John Beck, he's likely the odd man out should a team who needs a QB — you know, like the Eagles — come calling the Ravens. The Eagles are clearly confident in Kevin Kolb — the ballsy move to trade Donovan McNabb in the division is the proof — but they need a reliable back-up plan in case Kolb struggles. They thought Vick would be that guy, but if he isn't, look for them to make a play for Smith.

I still think Smith is capable of starting in the NFL. He deserves a chance, just not in Baltimore. He's a more polished passer than Vick, though he doesn't have that same caliber rocket arm. And though he is nowhere near the athlete Vick is — let's be honest, few players are — Smith can run the gadget plays the Eagles love. For Philly, he can be a homeless man's Michael Vick. They might have to settle for that.

The Ravens could garner a late-round pick. And there would be more snaps to go around for the team's other quarterbacks. Bulger and Beck — the team's backup QB of the future? — will need them.

Trading Smith to Philadelphia would be a win-win for all parties.

Well, except for Vick.