When Michael Vick cashes the first paycheck from his NFL comeback, perhaps he should offer a percentage to Dan Henning and David Lee.

The Dolphins assistants have been credited with the latest offensive mini-craze in the NFL: the Wildcat.

And the Wildcat, it seems, is Vick's ticket back into the league.

The Chicago Tribune spoke with four front-office executives and two offensive coordinators about Vick, who was released from prison last week. Each said Vick was not an option for his team. But they agreed Vick could fill a role with another team as a "package player" in the Wildcat.

With his combination of speed, passing skill and athleticism, Vick would be the ultimate Wildcat weapon. An NFC offensive coordinator pointed out Vick is probably a better passing threat than any of the players who ran the scheme last year, and every bit the runner.

The Falcons used Vick in a package that was similar to the Wildcat starting in 2006. It didn't get as much notoriety only because the Falcons didn't give it a cute nickname, and it was perceived as an offense that was unique to Vick.

"The Wildcat offense will guarantee him an opportunity because he can come in and contribute quickly in a specific package without a lot of learning," one NFC general manager said.

As a personnel director pointed out, Vick probably will have no off-season to learn a complicated playbook. He might not be reinstated by the league until August. And then he could face a suspension at the start of the regular season. So he really isn't a viable candidate to be a starting quarterback.

Even as talented as Vick is, or was, he should not be expected to immediately pick up where he left off. He has not played in a game that counted since December 2006, so there is concern about his skill level, his conditioning and his timing.

"Two years away from it, and he might not be the same athlete," the general manager said. "If he loses 10 percent, he'll still be an above-average athlete. But he won't be a deluxe athlete."

The aging process might be cruel to the soon-to-be 29-year-old because his game is so dependent on speed and quickness. "His best asset is his legs," said an NFC West front-office man. "If he loses that, he loses what he is. His problem as a passer always has been accuracy. Either you have it or you don't, and he doesn't. He's not accurate. So he needs to have that dimension of running the ball."

At the very least, Vick should be given a grace period in which he can re-acclimate to the game.

"No matter how gifted you are, you can't just stroll off the street after two years away and get back to where you were," a second general manager from an NFC team said. "It could take a while."

The Wildcat could ease Vick back in the game. He wouldn't be under the same kind of scrutiny as he would be as a starting quarterback.

"I think you think about him as a package guy," said the NFC offensive coordinator. "Maybe he's not even listed as a quarterback."

Quick hits: Jon Gruden is John Madden — plus blue eyes and blond hair and minus 100 pounds and 28 years. He will be a great addition to "Monday Night Football."

The NFL Network and the Redzone Channel are going to be big hits now that Comcast and the NFL have resolved their differences.

If there were a wing in the Hall of Fame for assistant coaches (and there should be), Tom Moore and Howard Mudd would be among the first inductees. There is no doubt the Colts will miss the retiring offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively.

Another assistant with Hall of Fame credentials who can't be replaced is Jim Johnson. He is taking leave of his job as Eagles defensive coordinator while being treated for melanoma in his spine.

SCOUT TALK

Here is Part 1 of my annual look at players who could be poised for breakout seasons, based on conversations with NFL talent evaluators. Rookies were not considered.

Quarterbacks: Despite playing on a bad team, JaMarcus Russell came on strong down the stretch, guiding the Raiders to three wins (two against teams fighting for the playoffs) and compiling an 85.4 passer rating in his last six games. That was particularly impressive when you consider he was working with his third play-caller in two years. If the transition to new passing-game coordinator Ted Tollner goes smoothly, Russell should start to fulfill expectations this year.

Running backs: It was easy to overlook the solid rookie season of Kevin Smith because he played on the winless Lions, but Smith showed plenty of potential. Now the Lions plan on making him a four-down back and an offensive centerpiece while Matthew Stafford develops.

Tight ends: Now that Jay Cutler is under center for the Bears, one of the primary beneficiaries could be Greg Olsen. He has made steady progress his first two years, and his production could improve significantly. The Bears plan on lining him up at multiple spots, making it difficult to defend him.

Wide receivers: With Marvin Harrison out of the way, Anthony Gonzalez should become a big-time producer for the Colts. He has been a very effective slot receiver but is capable of much more as a split end or flanker, depending on how the Colts line him up.

Josh Morgan was poised to be a rookie sensation for the 49ers last year before an illness caused him to lose 15 pounds at the start of the season. He came on strong late in the year.

Offensive tackles: The Ravens had so much confidence in Jared Gaither that they kept him on the left side after using their first-round draft pick on Michael Oher, who had been a left tackle in college. At 6-9, 330 pounds, Gaither has the size to dominate, and now he has the understanding of the scheme and the technique work down. He and left guard Ben Grubbs work well together.

After playing well as a rookie, Chiefs tackle Branden Albert could take his game to a Pro Bowl level as a sophomore. Having an aggressive play-caller in Todd Haley and a consistent quarterback in Matt Cassel should make Albert better.

Guards: Mike Pollak of the Colts should build on his 13 starts last season and develop into one of the league's better guards. The second-round pick is a perfect fit in the Indianapolis system.

Third-year man Justin Blalock should start to get noticed in Atlanta, where he benefits from creating holes for Michael Turner and keeping defenders off Matt Ryan. Blalock has the size and power to match up with almost any tackle.

Centers: Now that Matt Birk is in Baltimore, it's up to John Sullivan to anchor the Vikings' line. The Vikings love his work ethic, intelligence and leadership. He has performed well when given the chance, and he plays with excellent leverage.