Vick Says He’s Close to Signing With NFL Team

It sounds like Michael Vick is getting close to finding a new home for 2009 — and could he soon be scouting the greater Boston area for some new in-season digs?

ESPN.com reports that the former Falcons quarterback said he is getting close to signing a deal with a team, but he wouldn't give any further details. He made the comment in passing on his way out of a courtroom after a hearing in his bankruptcy case.

Coincidentally, on the same day, Patriots coach Bill Belichick praised the three-time Pro Bowler during a training camp press conference. He told reporters, "Michael is an outstanding player, hasn't played in a couple of years. But right now, our focus is on our team and our players and trying to get the New England Patriots ready so that's really where my attention's been. But he's a tremendous athlete."

Is all that "focus" jargon just smoke and mirrors? Could Belichick be pulling a Vick signing out of his hat in the next couple days?

Would anyone really be surprised at this point?

Vick was granted partial reinstatement by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday. He will be eligible to practice whenever he signs with a team but he will be suspended for the first six games of the season.