Michael Vick took a significant pay cut to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles and compete for a starting job.
The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback agreed Monday to a restructured three-year contract with the Eagles, just two seasons after signing a $100 million extension that included $35.5 million guaranteed. The new deal is essentially for one year, however.
A source familiar with the contract said Vick could earn up to $10 million in 2013 if he meets all his performance incentives, and the team will void the remaining two years on March 15.
Vick was slated to earn about $16 million next season, including a $3 million roster bonus. He lost his starting job to rookie Nick Foles last season, but new coach Chip Kelly will give him a chance to win it back.
“I am grateful and proud to be a Philadelphia Eagle,” Vick wrote on Twitter. “My heart is in Philly and this community is important to me.”
Vick had a breakout season in 2010, leading the Eagles to the NFC East title, winning The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award and starting in the Pro Bowl. But he’s battled injuries and inconsistency the past two seasons.
“What I look at is skill set first and foremost,” Kelly said. “What he can do, how he can throw the football, how he can beat people with his feet. There are a lot of different factors he has. And you have to look at the landscape for other quarterbacks. I guess the best way I can put this is I agree there is a change of scenery going on here. For Michael Vick, there is a change of scenery, but not a change of address.”
Since the Eagles hired Kelly to replace Andy Reid, there’s been plenty of speculation about which quarterback will run his aggressive, up-tempo offense. Though Kelly has been effusive in his praise for Foles, the slow-footed, pocket-passer isn’t an ideal fit for a zone-read offense.
Kelly, though, said he will build his offense around his players’ strengths. After all, he’s known for being an offensive innovator who had tremendous success at Oregon.
MIAMI WANTS SUPER BOWL
Even if voters approve using tax money to help upgrade the Miami Dolphins’ stadium, a deal might be contingent on the NFL awarding the 2016 Super Bowl to the city.
The Dolphins confirmed they’ve reversed their position and agreed to a referendum. A no vote would scuttle the plan.
Should the measure pass, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said, county commissioners still ought to have final approval — and insist on assurances from the NFL that the city will host the 50th Super Bowl in 2016.
EXTRA POINTS
Bills new coach Doug Marrone began retooling his underperforming defense by releasing two veterans: linebacker Nick Barnett and strong safety George Wilson. … The Giants signed oft-injured defensive back Terrell Thomas. He missed 2011 and 2012 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
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