Eagles quarterback Mike Vick is slated to become an unrestricted free agent, whenever the next league year commences. Barring a new deal, the Eagles undoubtedly will restrict his ability to leave via the franchise tag.
But even if Vick could leave, he seems to realize that the first question is whether he should leave. It could be in his best interests to remains in Philly, working with coach Andy Reid.
"[I]t’s funny because I thought about that last week,” Vick told Howard Eskin and Ike Reese of WIP radio, via SportsRadioInterviews.com, as to whether he would perform as well under a different head coach. “Honestly, I really don’t think so. The way he stays on top of you is like having a dad on you every day. There’s really no margin for error, we’ve got an open and honest relationship, and me not wanting to disappoint him and what he demands of the quarterback position. And I told him [Monday] when we were talking, he just has a way of bringing out the best in me. I don’t know what it is, but he does it. And I’m grateful for that and I’m thankful. And I think that’s the big reason to why I had the success that I had this year.”
Though the admission gives the team added leverage when negotiating a contract with Vick, the Eagles likely are smart enough not to take advantage of it. The more daunting challenge comes from applying a value to Vick in light of his off-field issues. He remains on federal probation, and one false move could get him thrown in jail and/or kicked out of the league. Vick may not be willing to agree to contract terms that take this risk into account.