This new is just breaking as we speak. Michael Vick's agent has confirmed to ESPN that the QB has signed a two year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sal Paolantonio called into ESPN news and says that half the crowd at the Linc has abandoned their seats and taken to the concourse just to talk about the signing and get what news they can. He said he's never seen anything like it. Sal speculated that Kevin Kolb's injury could be worse than originally though, but he stressed that that's pure speculation.
Vick's agent has confirmed that Vick is in Philadelphia right now and will meet the media tomorrow.
I understand that this is a big story that is going to generate a lot of passionate response. I welcome all views, but I simply ask you to please be mature about it.
[Note by JasonB, 08/13/09 9:12 PM EDT ] Contract details have leaked
Vick will earn $1.6 million this year with a $5.2 million option for next year. It seems to me that he's a cheap insurance policy for this year and likely gone next year. I don't see the Eagles keeping him around for $5 million next year.
[Note by JasonB, 08/13/09 9:29 PM EDT ] More details...
ESPN is reporting that Vick arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday and was here all day Wednesday. He will be allowed to participate in all team practices and activities and will be allowed to play in the team's two final preseason games. After that he will start to serve his suspension
The Eagles started negotiations about a week and half ago, before Kolb went down with an MCL sprain. Sal Paolantonio quoted a senior Eagles official who said
"Andy Reid has a specific visions for Mike Vick in the offense, we're not just signing him to sit on the bench."
Tony Dungy will be beside Vick when he meets the Philly media tomorrow morning.
[Note by JasonB, 08/13/09 9:37 PM EDT ] Over the past few days the Eagles have reportedly started to do community outreach in anticipation of the Vick signing. They've reached out to local animal rights groups and shelters as well as talked with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter before signing Vick.
[Note by JasonB, 08/13/09 10:12 PM EDT ] More on Vick's suspension. Roger Goodell has said that the latest he will decide whether to re-instate is week 6 of the regular season. There is no minimum for the suspension. If Goodell is satisfied with what he hears from Vick, Reid, Dungy ect... He could allow Vick back in week one. He could also decide to not re-instate Vick if he doesn't like what he hears.