Michael Vick signs with the Philadelphia Eagles; three teams wanted him

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Ending months of speculation, statements, rumor, and one rather unfortunate video, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was released from jail and then federal custody in May and July respectively, has signed a deal with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles today, according to ABC News.

The possibility that Vick would sign with a team was revealed by former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who was assigned to mentor Vick by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, on NBC's Sunday Night Preseason Football telecast of the Buffalo Bills v. Tennessee Titans game. He said several teams expressed interest in Vick.

Even Eagles flacks didn't know

What's so interesting about this is the Eagles PR people were caught with their pants down as the news circulated through the press box of tonight's preseason game against the New England Patriots. Also the "Birds" were one of the teams that said they didn't need Vick. But since backup Kevin Kolb went down to injury, they looked at Vick as a serious possible addition to the team, then pulled the trigger before anyone else could.

Vick deal at $1.6 million with option for second year

According to Fox Sports Jay Glazer, the Vick deal was reached Tuesday, but signed on Thursday, and is for one year with an option for a second year. The option is valued at $5.2 million. ProFootballtalk.com reports:

Under the terms of his conditional reinstatement, Vick can begin practicing immediately and play in the preseason. (Vick also can practice in the regular season, if the Eagles include him within the 53-man roster. They can choose to allow him only to attend meetings and other non-practice activities, which would give them a roster exemption for Vick.)

According to ProFootballtalk.com, three teams wanted Vick, one of them the Baltimore Ravens, but player personnel wiz Ozzie Newsome could not get the owner Steve Biscotti and the head coach John Harbaugh on the bandwagon. And if it were left to Eagles fans, you'd have a fight bigger than the one around the future of health care. Over at the forum igglefans.com, some of the comments were such that I cringe over the idea of printing them. At the much larger Wingnuts.com the opinion was more favorable to Vick, without the profanity.

My prediction is that as the season gets going once Vick's brought into the heat of battle, he will be met with applause. Something tells me Eagles Coach Andy Reid's going to install the Wildcat formation and put Vick in it.

For Vick, I'm REALLY HAPPY. He's got his second chance. I just ask him not to blow it, don't screw it up, and please watch those camcorders!

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid - "I'm a believer that as long as people go through the process they deserve a second chance". Coach Reid says Vick's got a great team around him and he trusts Tony Dungy who's a good friend. Quarterback Donovan McNabb will play a large role in working with Vick as they know each other well. Reid also says Vick knows his offense - the Bill Walsh Offense - and still remembers the terminology. There's not going to be a quarterback controversy; he's got to get prepared. Reid said Vick will play in "the last few preseason games." Vick will be introduced at a press conference Friday.

NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - 2008 14

NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - 2008 14 Eagles win game, 20 to 14, but Giants get division title anyway.

Eagles Replace Stallworth with Kevin Curtis

Eagles Replace Stallworth With Curtis-see below
By ROB MAADDI
AP Sports Writer
Wide receiver Kevin Curtis agreed to a six-year contract with Philadelphia on Thursday, giving the Eagles a potential replacement for Donte' Stallworth.

Curtis' deal could be worth up to $32 million and includes $9.5 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms of the contract weren't released.

"Kevin's a guy that we've liked all along," Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said. "He's got great speed and run-after-the-catch ability. Kevin's a calm, smart guy that just goes out and plays football. He definitely brings tremendous speed to our team."

A third-round pick in 2003, the 28-year-old Curtis spent his first four seasons with the St. Louis Rams serving mostly as the No. 3 wideout behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. He has 136 receptions for 1,714 yards and 12 touchdowns in 51 games. Curtis had his best season in 2005 when Bruce missed five games, catching 60 passes for 801 yards and six TDs.

"I've accepted my role and loved every minute of it in St. Louis and played with some great wideouts out there, but I'm definitely excited about the thought and the opportunity to be on the field more," Curtis said when he visited Philadelphia last Friday.

Minnesota, the New York Giants and Tennessee also were interested in Curtis, the second receiver to join the Eagles in free agency. Philadelphia also signed Bethel Johnson, a return specialist, last week. The defending NFC East champions lost Stallworth to the New England Patriots earlier this week.

Stallworth had 38 receptions for 725 yards and five TDs in 12 regular-season games in his only season with the Eagles. He also had six catches for 141 yards and two scores in two playoff games.

Curtis could compete with second-year pros Hank Baskett and Jason Avant to start opposite Reggie Brown.

"I'd like to be a starter, but I'm open to any opportunities that are out there," Curtis said. "Outcome: I want to be out on the field playing the whole game."

The Eagles also welcomed veteran running back Ron Dayne to Philadelphia on Thursday. Dayne, who spent last season with the Houston Texans, would give the Eagles the complementary back they're seeking to go along with Brian Westbrook.

"I know Westbrook's the man right now," Dayne said. "I'll compete with him if I come here, just play hard and do what they ask -- whatever they need me to do."

Dayne had 612 yards rushing and five TDs while averaging 4.1 yards per carry for the Texans. A former first-round pick, the 29-year-old Dayne played five seasons with the Giants and one season in Denver.

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So Dayne and Curtis will add Power and Grace to the Eagles offense, Which is fitting. Curtis might be the missing piece of the puzzle, and Dayne will have fun playing against his old Team(the Giants) Twice a season.