NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi reported Tuesday night that the Eagles, suddenly, plan to keep quarterback Michael Vick.
Lombardi says the Eagles feel as if they’re “in a luxury position” with regard to their current quarterback group. They have Vick, probable future starter Kevin Kolb, and five-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb signed through 2010.
All are also entering contract years.
We’re not buying Lombardi’s report.
Even in an uncapped year, are we really supposed to believe the Eagles will pay Vick the $5.25 million he’s due next season to be a third-stringer who only has value in rare, package-type situations? Are we really supposed to believe that Vick will suddenly regain the explosiveness he lost after 18 months in prison as he goes on age 30? Are we really supposed to believe that the Eagles believe any of this?
Our guess is that a member of the Eagles’ organization told Lombardi the team won’t trade Vick with the intention of driving up his trade value. If the Eagles appear less desperate to unload the overpaid non-contributor, teams interested in Vick may be less inclined to wait for his release as the March 5 deadline for his $1.5 million roster bonus payment approaches.
Time will tell if the Eagles’ strategy works. But don’t expect Vick to be on Philadelphia’s 2010 roster barring a sizable pay cut.