Despite numerous reports, Michael Vick will remain with the Philadelphia Eagles, for now. The Eagles have decided not to release Vick before a Wednesday deadline that guarantees him $3 million. ESPN's John Clayton reported that the team would release him before his contract deadline, but now the Philadelphia Inquirer has reported Vick will remain with the team for the time being.
The clause in Vick's contract allows the Eagles to keep him on the roster until the start of free agency begins on March 12 without having to pay the guaranteed figure as long as another team signs him or pays him the $3 million. The Eagles have now bough themselves time to decide what to do with the 32-year old quarterback. They are not expected to bring him back at the $15.5 million in his contact. If the two sides are unable to negotiate, it is probable that Vick will play under a different uniform next season.
The Eagles recently announced former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly would take over as coach. Vick would be a perfect fit for the Kelly offense that functions well under a mobile quarterback; however injuries have hindered Vick's stock in the past few seasons. He is coming off a concussion that sidelined him for five games last season. This is his second concussion in two seasons. He has missed a total of 11 games in the past three seasons which does not bode well for his future as a starting quarterback.
The Eagles do currently have Nick Foles under contract. A traditional pocket passer, Kelly praised the quarterback and said he could easily tailor his offense to Foles' strengths as a player.
If Vick remains an Eagle past March 12, the team could try and trade him. Suitors will certainly come. Last season in the games he did play, Vick passed for 2,362 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
