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Friday, August 14, 2009
Michael Vick Is Granted A Second Chance.... In The City Of Brotherly Love
MSN Sports----
The Michael Vick wait is over.
Sources told FOXSports.com that the quarterback has reached a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with a one-year option.
Vick's agent, Joel Segal, confirmed the deal to FOXSports.com.
Vick will make $1.6 million for the first year of the deal. The Eagles have an option on the second year for $5.2 million.
The deal was reached Tuesday, but wasn't finalized until Thursday.
Several head coaches have told FOXSports.com that they would love to have signed Vick but were unable to because of trepidation on the part of their owners.
Vick makes sense for the Eagles as a second QB option if Donovan McNabb goes down with an injury.
Vick has not played in the NFL since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team.
Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games. He can apply for full reinstatement by Week 6 in October.
The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under McNabb, and are still looking for their first Super Bowl win.
The team, though, is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in Vick, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb's injury isn't serious and he's expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.
When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' preseason opener against New England, even the team's public relations staff seemed surprised.
McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years, and was rewarded with a $5.3 million raise in the offseason. The Eagles tore up his old contract with two years remaining, and gave him a new deal worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons.
Since Andy Reid became the head coach in 1999, the Eagles have avoided players with character issues. The lone exception came in 2004 when Philadelphia acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens. That move paid off when Owens helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl in his first season. But T.O. quickly wore out his welcome, criticizing management over a contract dispute and feuding with McNabb. He was released midway through the 2005 season.
Reid believes most Eagles fans will accept Vick.
"This is America. We do make mistakes," Reid said. "This situation is a chance to prove he's doing the right things. He's been proactive speaking across the country."
Former Eagles linebacker Ike Reese said, "I couldn't envision Mike being here." Reese, a teammate of Vick's in Atlanta in 2005-06, said, "I didn't see where he fit in. I think most people in the locker room would accept it. Donovan is very secure in his position. He wants to see Mike get another opportunity."
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Sources: MSN Sports, About.com, Google Maps
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