Both McNabb and Reid spoke evocatively of the importance of forgiveness, of second chances. They were less clear on exactly what Vick is going to do to make this worth the bother to a team that now might be pushing past pickets to get to practice; the gist seemed to be some sort of prospective "Wildcat" role for Vick, to which McNabb indicated he was willing to cede a few plays here and there, in hopes one of them would be a big gainer.
"This is America," Reid proclaimed. "We do make mistakes." The 29-year-old former Pro Bowl quarterback deserves "a chance to prove he's doing the right things," Reid added.
In the middle of the second quarter of last night's preseason-opening, 27-25 loss to New England, with some team officials even apparently unaware of the most momentous development of an eventful preseason, word leaked out via ESPN.com that the Eagles had signed Vick. The ESPN.com report said a 2-year contract; Eagles president Joe Banner, confirming the signing to the Daily News, said 1 year plus a club option for a second. Fox Sports said Vick will make $1.6 million this season and as much as $5.6 million in the option year.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick will be eligible to play in the final two preseason games, so his Eagles' debut could be Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Linc against Jacksonville. Goodell has said he then will rule on a regular-season suspension, which could be anywhere from nothing to 5 weeks.
This morning's press conference is scheduled to be attended by Vick, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who has served as an adviser, and representatives of the Humane Society. Vick's first practice with the Eagles is expected to be tomorrow, Reid said.
