Looking Ahead: Eagles Who Will Not Return in 2014
By Dave Searles
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
When the Philadelphia Eagles were narrowly defeated by the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night, the loss cost the Philadelphia Eagles more than a trip to the divisional round of the postseason. For some players, veterans and players newer to the league alike, it signaled the final time they will don the winged helmet and midnight green jersey. Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman will have some tough choices to make on personnel before March 11’s start of unrestricted free agency, and here’s how I see it playing out.
The players scheduled to become free agents on March 11th at 4:00 PM EST are:
1) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback –
After losing his starting job six games into the season to a surging Nick Foles and subsequently spending the rest of the season on the bench, Michael Vick publicly exclaimed to media that he still believes he can start in the NFL. While he didn’t outright say that he won’t return to Philadelphia in a backup role, that’s as realistic as a role as he can expect in 2014 with the Eagles.
Result: Gone.
Michael Vick will always be an enigmatic athlete because so many grew up idolizing him or making obscene plays in video games with his likeness. What doesn’t nearly age as well as those memories is the reality that Vick is now a 33 year old quarterback who is unable to stay healthy enough to sustain a season. Another team will see the opportunity for success, but it’s difficult to believe he’ll be handed the keys to any franchise going forward. He’ll sign with a team who presents the least challenge in getting him on the field.