Free agent quarterback Michael Vick is about to hit the market, and the New York Jets are reportedly making a serious push to acquire the speedy signal-caller, a reliable league source reported on Wednesday.

Vick, a former Pro Bowl and All-Pro quarterback, will headline this year's crop of free agents as the free agency period draws near. The 33-year-old quarterback had a solid year with the Eagles despite losing his job as starter to Nick Foles midway through the season. He covered 1,215 yards with a 54 percent completion rate with five touchdowns and three interceptions before getting benched. 

The Jets are the front-runner to ink Vick to a deal, who's expected to give incoming second-year quarterback Geno Smith tough competition for the starting role during the training camp.

"A lot depends on the makeup of the No. 2 quarterback," said an AFC personnel executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity, ESPN reported "If you're grooming a young starter, there needs to be a healthy balance of competitor and mentor but also a good resource on the sideline and during game prep. I certainly think [Vick] can still start in the short term."

The Jets are also an appealing destination for Vick because of the presence of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who worked with the quarterback for four years in Philadelphia.

Many NFL pundits believe Vick is going to be a big threat to Smith because of his knowledge of Mornhinweg's system and his experience as a seasoned quarterback in the league. Still, Vick can also serve as a mentor for Smith, like he did to Foles during his time with the Eagles.

"General manager John Idzik always talks about competition; this would be real competition. You would have to think it would be Smith's job to lose. And if he does, so be it," NFL Nation writer Rich Cimini reported.