Michael Vick Signs Deal with the Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles according to his agent, Joel Segal. The first year is worth $1.6 million with an option on year two for $5.2 million. $3 million in incentives over the two years are also part of the deal. The Eagles expect to hold a news conference Friday morning to make an announcement about his signing.

Drafted number 1 in 2001 by the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was once the highest-paid player in the NFL. However, he was sentenced in 2007 to prison for 23 months for his role in running a dog-fighting ring and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

Michael Vick was released on July 20 and subsequently Commissioner Robert Goodell released his suspension and allowed Vick to sign with a team. Although he can take place in all preseason activities, including the last two preseason games, Vick may not participate in regular-season games until Goodell issues a full reinstatement which may come as late as the sixth week of the season (October 18-19).



The Philadelphia Eagles went to the playoffs last season but have yet to win a Superbowl. Eagles coach Andy Reid said, "I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance. He's got great people on his side; there isn't a finer person than Tony Dungy. He's proven he's on the right track."

At one time, Philadelphia and 25 other teams said there was no interest in Michael Vick. Reid spoke to current Eagles quarterback, Donovan McNabb before signing Vick. "I pretty much lobbied to get him here," McNabb said. "I believe in second chances and what better place to get a second chance than here with this group of guys. ... He's no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense."

"60 Minutes" will air an interview on Sunday where Vick said that he should have taken "the initiative to stop it all ... I didn't." He filed for bankruptcy protection last July $4 million in the hole with assets north of $16 million and debts higher than $20 million.

Michael Vick went to the Pro Bowl three times Pro Bowler and in 2006 he rushed for the most yards for a quarterback in a single NFL season in history, 1,039 yards. He averaged 8.45 yards a carry, which also set an NFL record. Vick started 67 times and played in 74 regular season games during his time with the Falcons in 2001-2006, where he completed 930 of 1,730 passes (11,505 yards) and 71 touchdowns. His rushing stats were 3,859 yards and 21 touchdowns. His playoff record is 2-2 as a starter and both losses were to the Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Atlanta Falcons on December 6.

Time will tell if Vick has learned his lesson. I do believe in second chances, and maybe this will be the turn-around his life obviously needs.