Michael Vick: What Kind Of Contract Will He Get In 2011?

Michael Vick will earn $5 million this season.

That should set a record for first-year earnings for men released from prison.

The Philadelphia Eagles are now preparing to make Vick a very rich man, once again.

Vick has arguably had an MVP season in leading Philly to the NFC East title. He's looked better than he ever has. He's thrown 20 touchdown passes, his legs provided eight more scores and he's sure in the conversation for league MVP.

The Eagles have said they're looking to sign Vick for "next year and beyond." His contract ends after the season and now he's preparing to strike the mother-lode again.

What kind of numbers can he expect?

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His worst scenario is the "franchise tag," which would put him at about $16 million guaranteed for one season, and perhaps as much as $20 million if a CBA is signed next year. That's his worst scenario.

If the Eagles are serious, they wouldn't want him to hit the market with all those quarterback-needy teams out there. Vick could easily get a five-year, $75 million deal with $45 million guaranteed.

Tom Brady got a four-year, $72 million deal with $48.5 million guaranteed.

And there's still more out there for Vick.

Seems he's wearing Nike shoes this season for free. What the heck, free shoes sounds like a good deal for any guy fresh out of prison.

But now there's gold in them 'thar feet.

There will be another bidder for Vick's fast feet—perhaps Under Armour will step up to bid against Nike. If not, someone will.

Yes, there's a major payday on the horizon for Vick, and hopefully this time he'll have a very, very good financial adviser. He needs someone who can keep him out of the dogfighting business and into bonds or other safe, guaranteed investments that Vick cannot put his hands on—something that will make sure he's wealthy 20 years from now.

Yes, America IS the land of opportunity and second chances, and Michael Vick is and will be living proof of that.

For now, he just needs to keep doing what he's doing, and that's playing phenomenal football.