It’s been rumored for the past month and today it will become official. Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network is reporting that the Eagles reportedly will place the franchise tag on Michael Vick today, all but guaranteeing the Pro Bowl QB will be back in Eagles green next season. In 12 appearances last season Vick set career highs in passing TDs, rushing TDs, passing yards, completion percentage and QB rating. He started for the NFC in the Pro Bowl, was runner-up to Tom Brady in the MVP voting, and won the NFL’s comeback player of the year award.
Last year, the exclusive franchise tag for a QB costs teams about $16.4 million for a year. The team could still opt to work out a long term deal with Vick, but like everything contract related this offseason that will have to wait until the new CBA is done.
In addition, the Eagles will also reportedly place the transition tag on David Akers which would give them right of first refusal on any offer sheet the kicker might sign this offseason. Unlike the franchise tag however, the Eagles would receive no compensation should they decide to decline to match an offer for Akers. The tag guarantees Akers the average of the top 10 salaries for players at his position next year, which is probably no less than they’d be paying him anyway…