On two recent occasions, media outlets have clashed regarding the question of whether the Eagles are -- or aren’t -- considering the possibility of parting ways with backup quarterback Mike Vick.
Round one featured the AP, which reported that the Eagles are “strongly considering” cutting Vick, against ESPN, which reported that they aren’t. In round two, Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports reported that the termination option remains on the table. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that it isn’t.
Now, two Philly outlets have squared off regarding the team’s interest in Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith. Howard Esking of WIP radio, who works the sideline for the team’s radio broadcasts, reported last week that the Eagles were looking into the possibility. This week, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that, per a team source, the Eagles aren’t interested.
Though we remain reluctant to accept at face value anything coming from any NFL team when matters of strategy are involved (especially when the team flat-out lied earlier this year about the status of former starting quarterback Donovan McNabb), a league source has pointed out the possibility that the ultimate explanation could be bad reporting. Though we don’t know whether that’s the case, in fairness to the Eagles we should at least mention the possibility, however large or small it may be, that the AP and Robinson and Eskin were all wrong.
Given the historical behavior of NFL teams generally and the Eagles specifically, we continue to believe that the team hopes to keep under wraps its intentions regarding Vick until a final decision is made. Nothing is gained from acknowledging that Vick may be cut by saying that he could be before a final determination is made.
In the end, the Eagles’ plans could be irrelevant. If Vick’s probation is revoked or his reinstatement to the NFL is rescinded, he may not be available even if the Eagles still want him.