The Mike Vick Experience reportedly will remain in Philly, after all.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who one week ago screwed the pooch (sorry to be so technical) with a report that quarterback Donovan McNabb could be traded to the Rams by the end of the week, if not the end of the day, reports that “team sources” say Vick will return for 2010.
It’s not a ludicrous suggestion, given that it appears McNabb will be traded somewhere, which will create the need for a backup to Kevin Kolb.
But we aren’t willing to accept at face value anything that “team sources” are saying. The Eagles put the word out regarding an intention to keep Vick before the launch of the trading period, presumably to persuade other teams to believe that they weren’t willing to take the best offer they receive -- and possibly to get Vick to quit trying to dictate the terms of his ongoing employment.
Much can change between now and September. And if the Eagles can get folks to accept the notion that Vick isn’t going anywhere (which should be easy to do, given that the team can’t find anyone willing to offer anything more than a late-round pick for his services), the Eagles may be able to generate some leverage if/when someone needs a quarterback in May, June, July, or August.
For now, though, the Eagles seem to be willing to keep Vick -- if for no reason other than to maintain credibility in the future when another player is available via trade, and when a potential trade partner believes that the Eagles are bluffing when they say they’ll keep the player.
Barring injury to Kolb, it means that Vick ultimately will have gone four full seasons without any extensive regular-season playing time -- which will make it even harder for him to find a home come 2011, the year in which he’ll celebrate his 31st birthday.