Report: Riders attempted to sign Michael Vick before Vince Young

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made waves when they signed Vince Young this offseason, but it appears another former NFL star was their first choice at the quarterback position.

Sources told Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation that Riders vice-president of football operations Chris Jones twice tried to sign Michael Vick, once during the 2016 season, and once during the offseason.

Vick didn't play during the 2016 season and retired from football earlier this year. The former Virginia Tech star played 13 seasons in the NFL, throwing for 22,464 yards and 133 touchdowns. While Vick was certainly a capable passer, it was his electrifying speed that captured the eye, as he finished his career with 6,109 rushing yards - the most by a quarterback in NFL history.

Despite having never played in the CFL, the Riders do have a connection with Vick, as Mike Davis - the team's manager of football administration - played with him in college.

The report on Vick is the latest in a series of moves linking Jones to NFL quarterbacks, as he was fined $5,000 for tampering with former Cleveland Browns pivot Johnny Manziel. The former Heisman Trophy winner is currently on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' negotiation list.