Michael Vick took a huge step tonight toward resurrecting an NFL career that was nearly destroyed by his involvement in a dog fighting ring. The former Atlanta Falcon inked a two year deal with the Eagles that will pay him $1.6 million this year and $5.2 million next season.
The Eagles, which are currently listed at +1200 odds to win Super Bowl XLIV at BetUS.com, have indicated that Vick will most likely sit behind Kevin Kolb on the depth chart. In any case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will not officially reinstate Vick until at least the sixth week of the regular season.
Starting quarterback Donovan McNaab, who has maintained a close relationship with Vick, said he "lobbied" Head Coach Andy Reid to work with ownership to sign his friend. The pleas, along with Reid's own position, apparantly were enough to convince Jeffrey Lurie.
"I'm a believer as long as people go through the right process they deserve a second chance," Reid said.
How Vick will be used in the Eagles offense remains to be seen, but Reid indicated the first order of business would be to get Vick "back in football shape."
It is clear that Philadelphia brass thinks the former Virginia Tech Hokie has more than enough left to help the team or they would not have made the decision to deal with what is certain to be a backlash from a large segment of the nation.
PETA has already come out against the move as spokesman Dan Shannon issued the following statement:
"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Eagles decided to sign a guy who hung dogs from trees."
