Two people familiar with the situation say Michael Vick and the Eagles haven’t ruled out the quarterback returning to Philadelphia.
Vick will become a free agent next week, and the four-time Pro Bowl pick has made it clear he’ll look for an opportunity to be a starter. One person says that if Vick doesn’t find the right fit elsewhere, he would consider staying in Philadelphia.
Both people spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because they’re not discussing contract negotiations publicly.
Nick Foles replaced an injured Vick last year, led the Eagles to an NFC East title and was Pro Bowl MVP. Vick revived his career in Philadelphia, was the AP’s 2010 Comeback Player of the Year and started in the Pro Bowl that season.
But Vick was plagued by injuries over the next three years and lost his starting job to Foles last season after hurting his hamstring in Week 5. Foles had an outstanding year in his second season in the NFL. His passer rating of 119.2 was the third highest in history and he threw 29 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 14 games, including playoffs.
Before going down, Vick played well in his first season in coach Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense.
Kelly, general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Vick’s leadership skills and the way he handled being the No. 2 guy. Vick has an excellent relationship with Foles and he’s respected in the locker room.
The New York Jets might be interested in giving Vick a chance to compete with Geno Smith. Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg held that position with the Eagles when Vick had the best season of his career in 2010.
Tampa Bay, Oakland and Minnesota also could be interested in Vick, who is the class of a thin free-agent market for quarterbacks. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson already has lobbied for his team to sign Vick. The 2012 NFL MVP tweeted that Vick would make the Vikings a playoff team.
That’s all speculation until Vick starts talking to teams next week. He’ll base his decision on several factors, including a comfortable environment for his family.
Vick, who turns 34 in July, hasn’t started more than 13 games in a season since 2006. But when healthy, Vick remains one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.
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