Call it a Philadelphia flier.
After weeks of conjecture involving at least half the teams in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles finally stepped forward Thursday and signed controversial quarterback Michael Vick, taking a gamble on a once supremely talented player who hasn't set foot on the field since the 2006 season.
"I've seen people close to me have had second chances that have taken advantage of those," Eagles Coach Andy Reid said. "It's very important that people give them opportunities to prove that they can change. So we're doing that with Michael."
Vick, who last month was granted conditional reinstatement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, signed a two-year deal with the Eagles, a franchise most observers had checked off the list of possible landing spots.
Under the reinstatement plan, Vick can participate in preseason practices, workouts, meetings, and play in Philadelphia's final two exhibition games. He could receive full reinstatement at any point, but Goodell said he would grant that by Week 6 at the latest, provided Vick lives up to his end of the agreement.
Philadelphia's Week 6 game is Oct. 18 at Oakland. Another significant date for the Eagles is Dec. 6, when they play at the Atlanta Falcons, Vick's former team.
Philadelphia's signing was somewhat dicey not only because it probably will generate significant public scorn -- Vick spent 18 months behind bars for running a dogfighting ring -- but also because the move has the potential down the road to destabilize the team's quarterback situation.
Reid was quick to emphasize that the addition of Vick will not change the pecking order at the position. Donovan McNabb remains the starter, although he was on shaky ground at times last season and was benched for the first time in his career.
What's more, the coach said, McNabb has been friends with Vick for years and even hosted him on a recruiting trip to Syracuse.
Later, McNabb referred to himself as a "mentor" to Vick, saying, "You want to set an example and lead people in the right direction.
"This is a better opportunity with him being here, to see how we work around here and ways we both can enhance our game . . . and be able to add a spark to this team. We've added some young guys at the skill position, and we're bringing in another guy who can help us in so many ways as well."
