Monday, March 8, 2010
Reports: Eagles to pick up Vick bonus

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Vick is getting one more big check from the Philadelphia Eagles. The one after that still could be from a new team.

A person with knowledge of the contract confirmed the Eagles will pay Vick a $1.5 million roster bonus due Tuesday, as multiple outlets have reported.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move hasn't been announced. Paying Vick the bonus doesn't preclude Philadelphia from trading the former Pro Bowl quarterback. Vick is under contract for $5.2 million this year.

The Eagles are buying themselves more time -- and possibly a draft pick -- by giving Vick the bonus. The alternative was to release him and not get anything in return.

It's uncertain what Vick is worth on the trade market. His situation could be comparable to Daunte Culpepper. The Miami Dolphins traded a second-round pick to Minnesota for Culpepper in 2006. Culpepper was coming off a major knee injury.

Vick wasn't injured, but he played sparingly last season after missing two years because he was imprisoned for his role in a dogfighting ring. He completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and one touchdown and ran for 95 yards and two scores.

The Eagles already have Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb, and Vick has stated he'd prefer to go somewhere he can be a starter. Coach Andy Reid has repeatedly said he isn't opposed to keeping all three QBs.