Michael Vick: When Should the Eagles QB Get a New Deal?

This has been an ongoing topic for the Eagles all season. After what Michael Vick has done the last two weeks, the topic is heating up.

Currently, the Eagles sit at 6-3 with a chance to take the outright lead in the NFC East if they can beat the Giants this Sunday. That would put them in a position that many Eagles fans didn’t think they’d be in before this season started, and Vick is a large reason for this success.

With Vick leading the Eagles to so much success, how can you let the guy walk away? Vick’s contract expires at the end of this season, and if the Eagles don’t take action, Vick will be able to sign with whichever team he chooses. However, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles letting him get away.

So the question becomes, when do you give him a new deal? At this point, the Eagles can’t really ask him to prove anything more on the field. He’s coming off one of the most dominating games in NFL history for a quarterback and has played at a very high level all year. He’s proven to be the complete package, making plays with both his arms and legs.

If you look at the most recent quarterback contract, Donovan McNabb’s, the Redskins were able to utilize the bye week for negotiation talks. The Eagles no longer have that luxury, so the deal will obviously have to be done between games.

Another interesting concept that has been brought up is the “hometown discount.” The Eagles took a risk on Vick when they signed him. He was recently released from jail, and also had to serve a suspension from the NFL. His second chance in the NFL was provided to him by the Eagles, and we’ve heard him talk about how grateful he is to them.

There were no guarantees for the Eagles when they brought in Vick, and after his first season, it looked like they might move him. However, they took the financial hit to keep Vick on the roster, and it has really paid off.

Something else for Vick to consider when getting into contract talks is the level of teams who might pursue him.

Is there any team who will need a quarterback this offseason that gives him a better chance to win than the Eagles? I don’t think so.

The Vikings are the best team that come to mind, but I don’t think they can match the offensive weapons the Eagles have.

Overall, I think the Eagles need Vick and Vick needs the Eagles. It’s time to get something done.