MORT'S MAILBAG: April 13

Q: Why doesn't Dallas hire Troy Aikman to be quarterback coach? He knows the system and he can teach a young quarterback what it takes to win. -- Allen Jeffrey, Pontiac, Mich.

	Known for his accuracy and efficiency, Troy Aikman would make a great quarterback coach, Mort says.

MORT: Allen, NFL assistant coaches don't make (relatively) big bucks, and they work long hours. Troy has a promising future in TV, and his potential earning power is greater, not to mention that it should give him more flexibility with his time as he enjoys raising a new family. I think Troy could do anything he sets his mind to, so if he desired to coach, he would do it.

Q: Do you think there is any chance the Washington Redskins would try to make a deal for Virginia Tech's Michael Vick? -- Eyad, Kensington, Md.
MORT: Eyad, if Daniel Snyder were still running the football show, I think we'd be talking about it right now. But he's not. Marty Schottenheimer isn't about to rebuild with a young QB like Vick who is probably three years away from having a real impact. Also, the Redskins have too many needs to fill without paying the cost it would take to trade to the No. 1 spot. Sorry.

Q: Good day from an English gridiron fan. Bearing in mind the staff and player adjustments made thus far this offseason in St. Louis, do you think the Rams have a legitimate chance at the Super Bowl next year, given the frailty at defense this past year? -- Alex Hill, Stonehenge, United Kingdom
MORT: Alex, I think the Rams hired a terrific defensive coaching staff, and when they are finished with free agency and the draft, I believe they have given themselves an excellent shot at returning to the Super Bowl. But you cannot ignore the Giants, Bucs, Packers and perhaps even the Eagles, Vikings and Saints as Super Bowl contenders in the NFC.

Q: Even though the draft hasn't taken place yet, how much has Mike Holmgren improved the Seahawks, and what grade would you give him so far? -- Marcus, Seattle
MORT: Marcus, Mike Holmgren and the Seahawks have been spectacular in the offseason. John Randle, Chad Eaton, Levon Kirkland and Marcus Robertson not only are proven, quality players on defense, they have outstanding leadership and character qualities. Jeremy Staat was another solid signing. I think Matt Hasselbeck answers their quarterback problem. This sets up the Seahawks for a draft that should allow them to select a potential impact receiver like David Terrell or Koren Robinson with their No. 7 pick; the next one (No. 17) can address O-line, defense, or even another WR.

Q: Diehard Viking fan here, and I'm really curious about Cortez Kennedy signing (or some other DT), Dale Carter (or another proven CB), and what we're looking at for the RB position after the smoke clears from the talk that Doug Chapman and Moe Williams are our backs next year. I'm really excited to hear back. Thanks for the time. -- Dave, Columbus, Ohio
MORT: Dave, Dennis Green's strategy is to sell himself and sign all these bargain free-agent veterans, such as Cortez and Carter, and there figure to be many others come June 1. It just takes time for these vets to deal with the reality of the "bear" NFL free-agent market. At the RB spot, Green is effusive about Chapman, but that Ricky Watters deal sure seems plausible, even though Mike Holmgren has denied it.

Q: I know the Giants rarely make trades on draft day, but what do you think of the Giants trading up to get Dan Morgan? They can use a starting OLB and he is so much better than any other linebacker in this draft that it might be worth it. With the addition of Morgan and Kenny Holmes, they could have the best front seven in the NFL. If not, they can probably find a good cornerback or offensive lineman in their current draft position. -- Peter, New York, N.Y.
MORT: Peter, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi believes that "trading up" can backfire. The Giants do need a quality corner, and they have to start infusing their offensive line with young talent.

Q: Do you think that the Pack will win another Super Bowl before Brett Favre retires? And what do you think of Mike Sherman being head coach and GM? -- Lance Baneck, Green Bay, Wis.
MORT: Lance, I do see the Packers getting back to the Super Bowl with Favre, sometime in the next two or three years. And I'm including this season, too. I like what executive vice president Ron Wolf has done, I like Sherman as a coach. I do question his doing a dual role as GM and coach.

Q: Do you honestly think Miami can win with Jay Fiedler or Ray Lucas at quarterback even if they get a good receiver in the draft? -- Todd Krueger, Kaukauna, Wis.
MORT: Todd, I believe the Dolphins just won the AFC East with Fiedler. Will they repeat? It won't be easy, but I think they are 50-50 to do it again. I do believe they need to draft a QB to develop for the future.

Q: What are the chances of the Packers acquiring the Cardinals' first-round pick? Is Ron Wolf trying to go out with a bang or is there someone they really covet? -- Jon, Spring, Texas
MORT: I think if the Packers make a move, it will be on draft day. It will depend on the cost; I don't see Wolf giving up too much, but he is a man who gets an itchy finger on draft day. I believe he wants an impact player either on defense or at WR. I'm sure David Terrell and Koren Robinson are very tempting to him.

	Rams QB Trent Green had the NFC's best QB rating (101.8) last season.

Q: Everyone is so down on Trent Dilfer possibly becoming QB of the Chiefs because of his inaccuracy, but does anyone realize that before Trent Green went to St. Louis he was only a 54-percent passer (and this is the guy the Chiefs want)? Do you think that Dilfer could have the same results that Green had in St. Louis if Kansas City signs him? -- Anthony Perano, Flushing N.Y.
MORT: Anthony, even though I think Dilfer has gotten a bad rap, I don't believe he is as accurate as Trent Green. True, Green was a 54.6-percent career passer prior to joining the Rams. But he was a 60.4-percent passer with an NFC-best QB rating of 101.8 last season. Dick Vermeil also remembers that Green was 28-of-32 in his first preseason with the Rams before he suffered the knee injury that opened the door for Kurt Warner.

Q: After your recent ESPN.com article concerning Kordell Stewart, many local radio hosts (including ESPN Radio) and other local media outlets took the position that your story was overexaggerated and that in reality everything is fine in Pittsburgh between Kordell and the Steelers. Is there any chance of the Steelers and Kordell parting ways after this season? I believe that would be best for all parties involved. -- Kevin Romito, Pittsburgh
MORT: Kevin, actually since I wrote the article -- which was badly mischaracterized out of context -- Kordell did report for conditioning (as the story said he would), and he did admit to reporters that he had all the problems with Bill Cowher that the story detailed. The story accurately portrayed the situation with the Steelers. Just read it again. I think we have to wait and see whether Kordell settles in more comfortably this season; let's face it, that's what everybody wants. Will somebody blow it?

Q: What did you think about the Lions getting Brenden Stai to replace Jeff Hartings? Do you think the Lions will use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman or a big corner? And how do you feel about the Lions' offseason moves as a whole? -- Kevin Matthews, Auburn Hills, Michigan
MORT: Kevin, I thought Hartings was a real loss; Stai gets them by, that's all. The Lions can go in a lot of directions -- O-line, corner and I am still not ruling out a QB like Drew Brees. I think the offseason for the Lions has been lukewarm, but that's because you have a new front office and a new coaching staff assessing the talent on hand. And the talent isn't bad. People act like Detroit has been a basement team all these years. They are always competitive, but are trying to get over that .500-plus hump and into Super Bowl contention.