Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle, but for how long?


Just in case you only discovered the internet today, don't own a phone or a TV, and also have no friends who own the aforementioned items, I have breaking news for you.

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Michael Vick. It still sounds odd to say, but the Eagles have reached out and are taking a chance on the embattled quarterback.

Of course, a move like this is not without repercussions from the media, the fanbase, and special interest groups from the outside looking to cause a fuss in an effort to further their own agenda. Essentially, everyone has their own interests regarding a move like this and like Andy Reid himself said on a different subject, "There's no pressure like peer pressure."

However, despite outside pressure, the Eagles front office has done the unexpected in an effort to further the chances of this team making it to the Super Bowl. It would appear that Reid & Co. seem to have the same sense of urgency that the fanbase has, and they're acting on it.

Vick was an unbelievable athlete before his encounter with the law, and appears to still be in good shape. The Eagles worked him out today and from what Reid said at his press conference, it's safe to assume that Vick is right about where the Eagles expected him to be. However, Reid did repeat time and again that the main focus was to get him back into "football shape."

The organization really is taking on no risk by bringing in Vick. They gave him what essentially comes out to a one-year, $1.6 million deal, but not a penny of that money is guaranteed. He'll receive that money only if he keeps his nose clean. I'm unaware of any incentives in the deal, so the $1.6 million is the base he'll receive whether he plays or not.

There may be some instances where they have to deal with their sponsors, or even keep some protesters out of the stadium, but that will all go away if this team starts winning as they're expected to do--especially if Vick becomes a piece of those wins.

The signing will have a significant impact on this roster in terms of the numbers, as cornerback/safety Byron Parker found out today when he was the man deemed expendable to make room for Vick. Parker likely won't be the only Vick-related roster casualty, and his signing could lead to a surprise cut or two.



Ripple Effect the Signing Causes

Q: Will the Eagles really carry four quarterbacks heading into the season?

A: I don't see that as a likely scenario, especially for Reid who hates wasting any roster spot. It probably kills him that he can't find a guy who can kick and punt well enough to do both for the team so he could keep an extra lineman.

That being said, Reid has said time and time again, "Kevin Kolb is our backup quarterback," so that's out of the question. For whatever reason, Reid loves Kolb and he's not going anywhere. However, when asked if the Vick move would put A.J. Feeley's future in danger Reid responded with an unconvincing "I wouldn't say that."

In NFL head coaching terms, that means that he's not committed to keeping Feeley on this team as the third quarterback. Feeley could be dangled as trade bait for a late-round pick. A sixth-round pick could probably get the Eagles to part ways with Feeley. However if no trade is made, Feeley could become a surprising cut from this team.



Q: Could Vick being listed as the third quarterback cause a problem for the Eagles?

A: What I mean by that is usually the third-string quarterback dresses, but is not active for the game. He's an emergency guy who, if he comes in, makes the first and second-string quarterbacks ineligible to re-enter the game. Obviously, this is not the role that Mike Vick will be playing on this team, therefore making him inactive isn't an option.

Having a third quarterback active for Sundays means that another guy must be made inactive. Reid is then forcing a guy who could contribute on special teams to sit because Reid may or may not put Vick in for a few plays per game.

It seems much more practical to list Vick as the number two guy, even if he's really not the guy you're going to put under center something were to happen that McNabb was forced out of a game. Kolb could go into the game as the emergency guy, which would force Vick out of the game, but if they really want to run the Wildcat there's always DeSean Jackson.



Q: How will the fanbase and media react the first time McNabb has a bad game?

A: Let's assume for a moment that McNabb has another episode like he did last season in Cincinnati. He goes out and throws two or three interceptions and just looks bad overall. It happens to every quarterback at some point, but it's worse for McNabb because this fanbase has had him on a short leash since day one.

The clamor for Vick may, and more than likely will, start. Even with Kolb listed as the number two guy and Reid annointing him the backup, the fans will shout for Vick. Vick has won games in this league and has been to three Pro Bowls, whereas Kolb has yet to even throw his first career touchdown, but has plenty of picks accounted for already in his young career.

While it may not get to Reid because he's used to dealing with it, it would be just another distraction that a team with Super Bowl aspirations does not need.



Q: If McNabb were to go down for the year, could Kolb and Vick tear apart the locker room?

A: I don't mean intentionally, but simply because there would be a faction of guys who wanted Kolb to start, and another group who wanted Vick to start. The players just want what is best for their team, but those opinions may differ, and when there are differing opinions on who should be the leader of your team, it's sure to create problems.

This is more of a dooms-day type scenario because honestly I believe if McNabb goes down the Eagles' season would be circling the drain anyway, so to speak. Let's hope we don't have to cross this bridge.



Q: What is the plan for Vick past 2009?

A: I'm not sure that the Eagles even know what the plan is for Michael Vick past this season. They have a club option for 2010 that would pay Vick $5.2 million, but I don't see that as a possibility. Even if he were to convince Reid that he should be the backup over Kolb, the Eagles will not pay a backup $5 million.

Then, even if that option is picked up, every quarterback on this roster has their contracts expiring after the 2010 season. That's a situation that the Eagles will have to deal with past even just figuring out what to do with Vick, but it is a situation that must be looked at now.

Could the Eagles try to dangle Vick in a trade next year? Will they attempt to rework his contract to pay him something more in the ballpark of $2 million, a reasonable salary for a backup? It will really depend on his play. If he plays poorly, it's an easy decision, but if he plays well the Eagles will have several difficult decisions to make.



It's being reported that the day after the Eagles signed Vick, the Giants mysteriously began working on a defense to defend the Wildcat offense. Tom Coughlin says this was merely a "coincidence," but Justin Tuck's comments say something else.

"They have so many more options in there now," said defensive end Justin Tuck. "How do you game plan them now? Obviously we've got some time and we'll figure it out, but it definitely gives them options and it's going to keep every defense on their heels."

That quote from Tuck explains why Reid brought in Mike Vick. That's it. He wants defenses to have to think about Vick. Even if he doesn't play a single snap, Reid knows that they took some time out of their week to prepare for him. It adds another element, and it will scare a defense.

"He will contribute," Reid said during Friday's press conference. "And you can ask defensive coordinators on other teams whether they're worried about that."

This great move is having its effect already.