Just a few short weeks ago, it appeared that the Philadelphia Eagles were ready to part ways with Michael Vick. They had just fired Andy Reid and seemed to be ready to go in a different direction.
After an extensive coaching search, Philadelphia came to a surprising agreement with former Oregon Ducks' head coach Chip Kelly, who brings a up-temp offense with him from Oregon. Pure conjecture, but Vick's skillset seems to fit this type of spread offense. In this, Philadelphia and Vick seemed to be on the path to a reunion.
One thing was holding it up.
Vick was due $17 million in 2013, which wasn't sustainable for the Eagles. If the veteran refused to come to an agreement on a restructured contract, he would be unemployed and looking for a job.
Even with some financial hardships in his personal life, Vick made the decision to stay with Philadelphia, citing a love for the organization and city. He took a $3.5 million guaranteed with another $6.5 million in bonuses, about half of which he has a reasonable chance of attaining.
Vick will now "compete" with Nick Foles as the Eagles' starting quarterback during the offseason and into training camp.
After compiling nearly 3,800 yards with 30 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2010, the last two seasons have been a downright disaster for the former No. 1 overall pick. His quarterback rating took a 16-point tumble in 2011, as Vick put up just 18 passing touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions. This past season was even worst, as Vick turned the ball over 15 times in 10 starts and threw a total of 12 touchdowns. Overall, Vick ranked just ahead of Blaine Gabbert in quarterback rating at just 78.1.
Vick isn't much more than a marginal starting quarterback in the NFL. His skills have diminished a great deal over the last few seasons as has his decision making on the football field. In addition, Vick continues to struggle with mechanics. These are three things that veteran quarterbacks, especially at his age, usually don't have to deal with.
Fantasy Impact
Vick's days as a QB1 option are clearly over. In fact, it's hard to imagine relying on him as a fill in with your regular starter on a bye or out with injury. This past season, Vick ranked 27th among quarterbacks in fantasy points and only put up two games that would have made him a solid top-12 fantasy option that week.
In essence, Vick just doesn't have the value unless you play in two-QB leagues.
He does, however, have the talent around him and is just a couple years removed from top-tier fantasy production. When LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are healthy, Philadelphia is dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. If it is able to add a franchise offensive tackle and Chip Kelly's offensive scheme takes hold, Vick could actually surprise some.
That being said, he is not a viable option on draft day.