This just adds to the impressive redemption story that Vick has written for himself this past season.
Recall that Vick spent 18 months in federal prison on dogfighting charges before the Eagles gave him a second chance.
After sitting on the sidelines for the majority of the 2009 season, he reaped benefits from a series of f2ortunate events. After Donovan McNabb was traded to the division rival Washington Redskins, he was made 2nd on the depth chart. But when Kevin Kolb went down with an injury in Week 1, it opened up a door for Vick to prove that he was capable of leading this team.
Without hesitation, he reestablished himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the NFL. He finished the season runner up in the MVP voting behind Tom Brady after scoring 30 touchdowns (21 passing, 9 rushing), completing 62.6% of his passes, and posting a 100.2 passer rating. Probably most impressive was the fact that he did not throw an interception until Week 12. As a result of his stellar performance, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and won the AP Comeback Player of the Year award as well.
There’s no doubt that Vick had an unbelievable year, setting career highs in most statistical categories. However, is he worth that hefty contract given his past and with the possibility that this might be a one-year wonder?
Personally, I would’ve gave it one more year to validate his worthiness.
Vick was a free agent coming into this offseason, but the Eagles placed the franchise tag on him, which would’ve paid him $16 million. Even though he’s accepting a bit less, this is a major investment in a player who hasn’t won a playoff game since 2004.
Moreover, Vick’s last two games including a loss to the Viking in Week 16 and the Packers in their Wild Card playoff matchup, games in which he posted modest passer ratings of 74.1 and 79.9 respectively, making him seem human.
Analysts are already doubting whether or not he will carry on the success he had last season, so I would’ve liked to see him at least come close to replicating it before rewarding him.
Plus the fact that he wasn’t demanding a new contract and couldn’t really considering his shaky, yet improving, stance with the league and general public.
So, I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it but it wouldn’t have hurt to motivate him by forcing him to prove himself for one more year.
Sure, this does give them some cap flexibility to re-sign wide receiver DeSean Jackson, one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game.
But even then, I question whether or not this was a necessary move to make.
