The Eagles did the expected Tuesday, using their franchise designation to limit the free agent mobility of quarterback Michael Vick.
Vick had a Pro Bowl season in 2010 after serving as a backup to Donovan McNabb in 2009 and entering last season as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart behind Kevin Kolb. But Kolb was hurt against the Packers and Vick nearly led the Eagles to a fourth-quarter comeback. He'd never relinquish the starting job despite missing time with rib and leg injuries and earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Vick's contract was a topic of conversation all throughout the season. But his reckless abandon can lead to injuries and his past off-field conduct, while no longer considered a concern, had to be a consideration in the team weighing the benefit of giving Vick a large signing bonus as part of a long-term contract. Also noteworthy is that Kolb, who has requested a trade to become a starting quarterback and should draw significant interest, is scheduled to make $11 million in salary and bonuses.
The Eagles announced they will use the transition tag on kicker David Akers, who was also scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. The team's all-time leading scorer is a five-time Pro Bowl pick. He led the NFL in scoring last season (143), which was his 12th with the Eagles. Since 2000, he leads the NFL in points scored.
"Michael Vick and David Akers were two of our most valuable players last year," said head coach Andy Reid. "They were well deserving of their Pro Bowl berths and we're happy to take this step to ensure that they'll be back in Philadelphia next season."
Vick established career highs in passer rating (100.2), completion percentage (62.6), and passing yards (3,018) while becoming just the second player in league history to throw for 3,000-plus yards, rush for 500-plus yards and accrue a 100-plus QB rating in one season, joining Steve Young (1992). Vick started in the 2010 Pro Bowl.
Vick had a Pro Bowl season in 2010 after serving as a backup to Donovan McNabb in 2009 and entering last season as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart behind Kevin Kolb. But Kolb was hurt against the Packers and Vick nearly led the Eagles to a fourth-quarter comeback. He'd never relinquish the starting job despite missing time with rib and leg injuries and earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
The Eagles announced they will use the transition tag on kicker David Akers, who was also scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. The team's all-time leading scorer is a five-time Pro Bowl pick. He led the NFL in scoring last season (143), which was his 12th with the Eagles. Since 2000, he leads the NFL in points scored.
"Michael Vick and David Akers were two of our most valuable players last year," said head coach Andy Reid. "They were well deserving of their Pro Bowl berths and we're happy to take this step to ensure that they'll be back in Philadelphia next season."
Vick established career highs in passer rating (100.2), completion percentage (62.6), and passing yards (3,018) while becoming just the second player in league history to throw for 3,000-plus yards, rush for 500-plus yards and accrue a 100-plus QB rating in one season, joining Steve Young (1992). Vick started in the 2010 Pro Bowl.
