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According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is open to returning to the team as a backup in 2014.
Michael Vick could be a stop-gap starter for 2 or 3 teams. Open to returning to #Eagles as backup because he loves Philly, close with Foles
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2013
Vick's one year, $7 million contract is up after the 2013 season. The Eagles' veteran QB will be one of the best QB options available in free agency.
Vick entered the 2013 campaign as the team's starting quarterback having beat out Nick Foles in a QB competition over the summer. Vick started five games before suffering a hamstring injury against the Giants that caused him to miss time. Except for one game versus the Cowboys, Nick Foles played very well in Vick's absence. After the Eagles' bye week, head coach Chip Kelly decided to officially name Foles as the starter for the rest of the season. Vick has been the backup QB ever since.
Rapoport's report seems valid. Michael Vick has been a great teammate by all means. He hasn't caused any controversy and he's been very supportive of Kelly's decision to start Foles. He seems to genuinely like it in Philly. Bringing Vick to backup Foles in 2014 would give the Eagles one of the better backup QB options in the NFL.
On the other hand, Vick is one of the top competitors in the league. He loves football and he loves actually being out there on the field. It's hard to see him sitting on the bench for the rest of his career at this point. Vick probably could be a viable stopgap option at QB for the right team.
Vick's return as a backup would make it seem likely the Eagles aren't going to draft a QB in the 2014 NFL Draft. If Foles is the starter and Vick is the backup, then Matt Barkley is still probably the team's third string QB unless the Eagles give up on him just one season after drafting him.
At this point it's mostly up to Vick. I'm sure the team is open to bringing him back at the right price. It's up to Vick to either accept a backup role or find a starting job elsewhere in the league.
