Michael Vick Signs Six-Year, $100 Million Contract with Eagles
The Phoenix has risen from the ashes; or rather it’s Michael Vick who has risen from the ashes. On Monday, Vick signed a historic six-year, $100 million contract with his current employer, the Philadelphia Eagles. The contract made history in that Vick is now the only player in the NFL ever to sign two $100 million contracts in a career.
Vick’s first mega contract came in 2004 when he signed a 10-year deal with his first squad, the Atlanta Falcons, for $130 million. It would be an understatement to suggest a lot has happened in Vick’s life between the two signings.
It’s only been four years since Vick pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges and taking full responsibility for his role in a dog fighting racket that was operated on his property. He was cleared to return playing in the NFL in 2009 after serving time in prison. Prior to becoming a back-up for the Eagles, Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
In 2011, Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid handed the keys to the offense over to Vick. In response, Vick turned out his best career numbers at quarterback; finishing with career-highs in QB rating (100.2), touchdowns (21), yards (3,018), completions (233) and completion percentage (62.6). The Eagles ended the regular season at 10-6 with Vick at the helm, winning the NFC East title before being bounced out of the play-offs in the first round by eventual Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers.
Approximately $40 million of Vick’s new contract is guaranteed. The deal is front-loaded, with Vick having the potential to earn as much as $16.7 million for the next three seasons. Insiders believe the deal is not back loaded in response to the concern regarding Vick missing a few games last season due to injury.
The deal opens up $4 million in cap space for the Eagles, allowing the team to now pursue signing current receiver DeSean Jackson to a long-term deal before he hits the free-agent market.
