After questions rose whether or not Michael Vick would be forced out of Philadelphia with Chip Kelly as head coach, the Eagles have given their official answer. Vick will remain in Philadelphia after the team worked out a restructured contract on Monday. FOXSports.com reports Vick signed a new one-year deal for the 2013 season.
The new deal keeps Vick in Philly for a discounted price. He can now make up to only $10 million next season. The new contract is technically a three-year deal, but the team will void out two of the years on March 15. The team deemed Vick no longer worth the $16.9 million he was originally contracted to make next season and decided on re-working the contract instead of letting the quarterback go.
Vick has only played a full 16-game season once in his entire NFL career. Ongoing injuries are causing teams to question whether Vick is still an elite quarterback of the league. He suffered significant rib injuries two seasons in a row and a concussion hampered him much of 2012. He no longer seemed like the quarterback that could throw off defenses and be worthy of a team to build around him.
When Chip Kelly was named the head coach of the Eagles, Vick seemed like a lock to remain with the team. It is no secret that Kelly runs an offense more suited for a mobile quarterback. However, Kelly came out in support of quarterback Nick Foles, who still remains with the team, saying he could easily tailor his offense to the more traditional pocket passer.
Even with his injuries, Vick can still run the high-powered offense that Kelly seems destined to stick with despite the recent comments. He has the skill set to handle a no-huddle offense that thrives under a speedy quarterback. Vick threw for 2,362 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his fourth season with the team before sitting out with injury. The skills will still be there next season as long as Vick can remain healthy.
It is unknown what kind of role Vick will play with the team next season. Nothing has been spoken about whom the starting quarterback will be. The storyline will play itself out once training camps become closer to opening. Vick is likely to be a free agent in 2014, but for now his time with the Eagles continues, leaving quarterback-needy teams with one fewer option.
