Vick will not play QB for Eagles

The signing of Michael Vick does not pose a threat to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for one simple reason: Vick will not play quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. At least not exclusively.

Vick will play the role of option QB, RB, maybe even WR. He will provide the Eagles with an offensive weapon that opposing defenses will have to prepare for and track throughout the game. If they don’t, they may pay for it.

In six NFL seasons, Vick has compiled 11,505 passing yards and 3,859 rushing yards — a 3-to-1 ratio.

[In comparison, Kordell Stewart, in his "Slash" role --and throughout his career-- only got as close as a 5-to-1 ratio, pass vs. run, with comparable passing statistics.]

With Vick lined up in the back field, split-back, pro-formation, a number of things are possible: A) Direct snap to Vick; B) Hand-off to Vick on a running play; C) Pitch to Vick with the option to throw.

Or none of the above. But either way, defenses will have to account for him.

When Vick is on the field, he will occupy at least one defender. That should free things up slightly for the Eagles receiving corp and versatile back Brian Westbrook (who had off-season surgery remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle).

My point is, the Ealges have added another weapon to their offense. And it’s been the plan all off-season. The first three draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball, and 6 of 8 picks overall.

Vick will provide a way to keep the Eagles offense near the top and improve their chances in the post-season. Vick will not challenge McNabb at QB or clock significant playing time behind center. He is simply another wrinkle in the Eagles offense, part of head coach Andy Reid’s mission– maybe his last chance – to get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl.

Source: NFL.com, profootballreference.com, football.about.com (photo); 10:15 p.m. et

Eagles Sign Vick

It seems Michael Vick has found a new home in the NFL. He will play backup quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb.

After 19 months in Federal Prison, Vick will be rejoining the NFL. Eagles’ head coach, Andy Reid isn’t known for his decision making. Reid has stuck with always injured QB McNabb for three seasons.

His decisions have, however, paid off. Reid has taken the Eagles to an unprecidented 5 NFC title  games. Will this decision be another TO mistake? Or, will Vick prove he’s worth a second chance?

As the NFL preseason gets underway, all fans will be watching Vick closely to see if he fails or (hopefully) rises above.

Quick Hits – March 17

The Kansas City Chiefs have called a 5:30 p.m. ET press conference to announce a signing, but the player’s identity has not been released. Ooohhh the suspense. Those tricky Chiefs. The Kansas City Star is betting on Orlando Pace.

Update: The Chiefs have announced the addition of three players: WR Bobby Engram, LB Monty Beisel and WR Terrance Copper.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Ravens have will visit with free-agent TE L.J. Smith (Eagles). Profootballtalk has learned that Smith is already signed– a reported one-year, $1.5 million deal.

PFT has also reported that the Ravens have signed CB/KR Chris Carr.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Panthers will not trade DE Julius Peppers to the Patriots.

The Cardinals have re-signed LB Clark Haggans, the team has announced.

Running back Marshawn Lynch is meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell Tuesday to discuss Lynch’s arrest and pending suspension. Clark Judge of CBSSports.com is reporting the suspension will be “one but no more than two” regular-season games.

Profootballtalk has been exploring the options for the Broncos and trading QB Jay Cutler.

The Saints have agreed to terms with DL Paul Spicer, Rotoworld has learned from the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Source: Rotoworld, Kansas City Star, azcardinals.com, Profootballtalk, CBSSports.com, kcchiefs.com - 5:15 p.m. et

NFL News & Notes

Rotoworld is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have released WR Joe Jurevicius on Wednesday. Jurevicius, 34, reportedly underwent seven knee surgeries in the 12 months prior to December ‘08.

KFFL has learned that the Bucs have released PK Shane Andrus.

The New York Jets have signed LB Larry Izzo (Patriots) to a Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald is reporting.

“I’d like to thank Mr Kraft, Coach Belichick, and the entire Patriots organization, coaches, staff and fans for being so supportive during my eight years in New England,” Izzo was quoted on bostonherald.com. “It was an incredible honor to play with so many talented players who have become lifelong friends.”

The Chicago Bears have released OG Terrence Metalf, per KFFL.

The Eagles have signed unrestricted free-agent safety Rashad Baker (Raiders). According to KFFL, the deal is for one year and terms were not disclosed.

Profootballtalk is reporting that when the Panthers cut starting cornerback Ken Lucas they may have saved $2.375 million in cap space, but the veteran defensive back will count $8.33 million against the ‘09 cap because of unpaid bonuses–and the fact that ‘09 will be the last uncapped year.

The Bears have reached a one-year deal with safety Josh Bullocks, scout.com is reporting.

Source: Rotoworld.com, KFFL, Boston Herald, Profootballtalk, Scout.com - 10:24 p.m. et

Free Agency Quick Hits – March 7

The Chargers have reportedly made one final offer to restructure LaDanian Tomlinson’s contract, per The San Diego Union Tribune.

Matt Maiocco of The Press Democrat is shooting down the reports that OT Khalif Barnes (Jaguars) is close to signing with the Raiders. Maiocco says Barnes agent Kenny Zuckerman told him that Barnes will sign with one of two other teams, and not the 49ers or Raiders.

Rotoworld has learned from the Chicago Tribune that RB Kevin Jones has agreed on a two-year, $3.5 million deal to stay with the Bears.

The Eagles signed ex-Browns safety Sean Jones to an undisclosed contract.

Add the Bears to the list of teams that are NOT interested in T.O. Just say No. Profootballtalk has a nifty page they created called the “Anti-T.O. List.”

Cornerback Bryant McFadden hopes to make a decision soon, per PFT. There are reportedly four teams in the running: the Steelers, Cardinals, Dolphins, and Eagles.

The Dallas Cowboys signed DE Igor Olshansky to a four-year, $18 million contract, NFL.com has reported.

[Editor's Note: PFT has a great Seinfeld video clip with this story - the Ukraine is weak - from the Label Maker episode. I chose not to post it since they had it first, because, you know, I prefer to do my own material.]

The Browns have signed former Jets DE C.J. Mosley, PFT has reported.

The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of former Jets defensive end C.J. Mosley on Friday.

PFT has reported that the Bills may be interested in the services of Terrell Owens.

Source: Rotoworld.com, The San Diego Union Tribune, PressDemocrat.com, ChicagoTribune.com, Profootballtalk.com, NFL.com – 9:45 p.m. et

Free Agency Quick Hits – Day 2

Offensive lineman Jason Brown (Ravens) has agreed to a five-year deal with the St. Louis Rams, John Clayton has confirmed, per Rotoworld.

Per KFFL, the Rams are still in negotiation with CB Ron Bartell.

The Redskins have signed OG Derrick Dockery (Bills) to a five-year, $26 million deal that includes $8.5 M guranteed, according to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter.

The Raiders have tendered RFA center Jon Condo, LB Ricky Brown and LB Jon Alston.

The Jets and Eagles have completed a trade that will send CB Lito Shepard to the Jets in exchange for a 2009 fifth-round pick and a conditional 2010 pick.

After first reporting Bart Scott had signed with the Jets, it was reported that the Ravens were still in the mix. Scott finally settled on the Jets aftet they upped the ante with a six-year, $48 million contract offer. Per KFFL, the decision to go with Scott over free-agent linebacker Ray Lewis was mostly due to age.

The Lions have agreed to terms with RB Maurice Morris on a three-year deal worth about $7 million, NFL Network has reported.

Kerry Collins will stay with the Titans, on a two-year, $15 million deal with $8.5 M guaranteed.

Profootballtalk has posted an item on the rumors of a Matt-Cassel-to-the-Bucs trade. Anyway, check it out here.

NFL.com has a complete “FREE AGENT TRACKER,” with an alphabetized listing of every NFL Free agent, their stats, experience, ‘08 team and ‘09 team. Check that out here.

Source: Rotoworld.com, NFL.com, KFFL.com – 10:45 a.m. et

RZR introduces “Team Links”

If you didn’t notice yet, we’ve added a new page, “Team Links.” It’s at the top of the main page, on the right…under the Page listings.

The page provides a team-by-team listing of every NFL franchise, separated by division, with official team pages and top fan sites.  To check it out now, click here and you’ll be re-directed.

Oh, and if you have any sites for consideration, send them to redzonereport@gmail.com.

Thanks- RZR