Philadelphia Eagles: Was Signing Michael Vick over Kevin Kolb the Right Move?

In 2009, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick to a two-year deal to backup Donovan McNabb and to hold them over just in case while Kevin Kolb was prepped to be the eventual starter. Upon McNabb's departure after the 2009-2010 season, Vick was an insurance policy to an unproven Kevin Kolb.

After a concussion to Kolb after Week 1 last season, Vick was moved up the depth chart to starter and has never looked back since. Vick ended up leading the Eagles to a 10-6 season, winning the NFC East and making it to the playoffs. A loss to the Green Bay Packers ended their season during the wild card round.

Vick did miss four games last season due to injury, something that wasn't a first for him. He also missed 11 games in 2003 with a fractured fibula. He has only started every game of the season once in his career. 

During the offseason, Kolb was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in a move that would ensure Vick would be the Eagles starter for the immediate future. The Eagles solidified that thinking when they signed Vick to a six-year deal worth about $80 million.

After a less than impressive Week 1 performance, Vick suffered a concussion Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.  Another injury for Vick, one that may sideline him, as the NFL has been taking concussions much more seriously than in past years.

It's clear that Vick's loose playing style and small frame make him more susceptible to injury than most quarterbacks in the NFL. The concussion will almost guarantee that Vick will once again not start every game, something he has only done once. 

Not that Kolb has been any better with injuries. In fact, it was an injury that gave Vick the Eagles quarterback job over Kolb last season. But comparing the two styles of play, Kolb is less likely to be plagued by injuries than Vick.

Vick is already 31 years old, while Kevin Kolb is 27. As Vick gets older, it may become even more dangerous for Vick to keep playing the style of quarterback that he plays without continuous injuries occurring. That would make his future less dependable than that of Kevin Kolb, who is much more of a pocket passer. 

The Eagles may have a more questionable future at quarterback with Michael Vick rather than Kevin Kolb, and that's not even counting Vick's playoff record.