Red-Zone Report

The signing of Michael Vick does not pose a threat to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for one simple reason: Vick will not play quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. At least not exclusively.

Vick will play the role of option QB, RB, maybe even WR. He will provide the Eagles with an offensive weapon that opposing defenses will have to prepare for and track throughout the game. If they don’t, they may pay for it.

In six NFL seasons, Vick has compiled 11,505 passing yards and 3,859 rushing yards — a 3-to-1 ratio.

[In comparison, Kordell Stewart, in his "Slash" role --and throughout his career-- only got as close as a 5-to-1 ratio, pass vs. run, with comparable passing statistics.]

With Vick lined up in the back field, split-back, pro-formation, a number of things are possible: A) Direct snap to Vick; B) Hand-off to Vick on a running play; C) Pitch to Vick with the option to throw.

Or none of the above. But either way, defenses will have to account for him.

When Vick is on the field, he will occupy at least one defender. That should free things up slightly for the Eagles receiving corp and versatile back Brian Westbrook (who had off-season surgery remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle).

My point is, the Ealges have added another weapon to their offense. And it’s been the plan all off-season. The first three draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball, and 6 of 8 picks overall.

Vick will provide a way to keep the Eagles offense near the top and improve their chances in the post-season. Vick will not challenge McNabb at QB or clock significant playing time behind center. He is simply another wrinkle in the Eagles offense, part of head coach Andy Reid’s mission– maybe his last chance – to get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl.

Source: NFL.com, profootballreference.com, football.about.com (photo); 10:15 p.m. et

It seems Michael Vick has found a new home in the NFL. He will play backup quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb.

After 19 months in Federal Prison, Vick will be rejoining the NFL. Eagles’ head coach, Andy Reid isn’t known for his decision making. Reid has stuck with always injured QB McNabb for three seasons.

His decisions have, however, paid off. Reid has taken the Eagles to an unprecidented 5 NFC title  games. Will this decision be another TO mistake? Or, will Vick prove he’s worth a second chance?

As the NFL preseason gets underway, all fans will be watching Vick closely to see if he fails or (hopefully) rises above.

AdAge.com is reporting that former NFL quarterback Michael Vick–jailed for funding a dog-fighting ring – is in talks to become a PETA spokesman.

“I’m familiar with [the plan],” Dan Shannon, director of youth outreach and campaigns for PETA, was quoted on AdAge.com.

“We have been in discussions with Michael Vick, with his management team, about the possibility of him putting out a public-service announcement with PETA when he’s out of jail.

“We want him to discourage people from taking part in dog-fighting. I can do it until I’m blue in the face and it might not convince anybody. Michael Vick sure can. He can say, ‘Look, I did it, I was wrong, and it ruined my career.’”

Update: Rich Thomaselli of Adage.com is reporting that talks between Vick and PETA broke down after pyscological evaluations of Vick.

According to Dan Shannon, director of youth outreach and campaigns for PETA,  it appears there is ”zero chance” that this deal will happen at the present time.

Source: AdAge.com – 2:15 p.m. et – Updated May 3 6:34 p.m. et

Pittsburgh Steelers OT Willie Colon signed his restricted free-agent tenderTuesday, PFT has reported.

The St. Louis Rams have released OT Orlando Pace. Per PFT, the team was attempting to trade the former No. 1 overall draft pick. The Rams will reportedly save around $5.97 million on the move.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Rams had “uninvited” Pace and receiver Torry Holt from the team’s off-season strength and conditioning program.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed cornerback Travis Daniels.

According to The Boston Globe, the Patriots have agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Leigh Bodden.

Per PFT, the 49ers have restructured the contract of QB Alexa Alex Smith [Editor's Note: I don't know why I typed Alexa Smith. But it's a much prettier name].

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with veteran LB Mike Peterson, the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting.

Source: Profootballtalk, Boston.com, Rotoworld.com, ajc.com - 7:18 p.m. et

Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jonesis being held in a Washington County, Arkansas jail on a probation violation, Rotoworld has learned.

Free-agent OT Khalif Barnes (Jaguars) reportedly visited the Buccaneeers Monday. Earliler Monday, the Raiders removed their name from the list of team’s interested in Barnes.

The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement with free-agent C Brett Romberg, the team has announced.

The Patriots signed cornerback Shawn Springs Monday, ESPN has reported.

We’re still trying to wrap our brain around this whole UFL thing, which will be broadcast on the Versus Network. Per PFT, the league has announced four coaches thus far: Jim Haslett, Ted Cottrell, Jim Fassel, and Dennis Green.

KFFL has learned that the Philadelphia Eagles fired employee Dan Leone after he criticised the decision to let S Brian Dawkins sign with the Denver Broncos…in a facebook post. Leone was reportedly a stadium operations worker.

Like a true journalist, I’m investigating this story further. I’ve already completed a facebook search for Leone. My friend request is pending.

Source: ESPN, Profootballtalk, Rotoworld, KFFL, AtlantaFalcons.com – 9:08 p.m. et

The Baltimore Ravens are close to re-signing LB Ray Lewis, NFL.com is reporting.

Adam Schefter has also learned that the Saints have re-signed WR Devery Henderson.

As our very own Sheila McCarthy posted this afternoon, free-agent QB Kurt Warner has re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals, on a two-year, $23 million deal with $19 million guaranteed.

The Giants have added safety C.C. Brown (must be Italian…), Adam Schefter is reporting. The deal is for one year.

 Jacksonville Jaguars OT Khalif Barnes is reportedly visiting with the Oakland Raiders Wednesday, per the SportingNews.

Source: NFL.com, Rotoworld.com, SportingNews.com, Profootballtalk - 4:05 p.m. et

Adam Schefter of NFL Network has reported that Cardinals running back Edgerrin James is pleading for his release from the team.

The Washington Post has learned that Shawn Springs is in Philadelphia visiting with the Eagles, and he has visited New England. The Post also mentioned Houston and New Orleans as options.

The Oakland Raiders, who have been nonexistent so far in free agency — quite a contrast to last year, and for good reason —  made a small splash Tuesday by re-signing three players and bringing on another. Tight end Tony Stewart, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, and guard Cooper Carlisle were re-signed, while T Erik Pears joined the team.

Profootballtalk has learned that former Bucs linebacker Cato June will visit the Buffalo Bills Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Atlanta Falcons were busy Tuesday, re-signing six and signing exclusive rights contracts with RB Jason Snelling, CB Brent Grimes and S Antoine Harris. The six players re-signed were TE Justin Peelle, LB Coy Wire, DT Jason Jefferson, OL Ben Wilkerson, LB Tony Gilbert and S Jamaal Fudge.

The Baltimore Ravens have re-signed CB Evan Oglesby and WR Marcus Maxwell, per Rotoworld.

Rotoworld has also learned from the Baltimore Sun that the free-agent C Matt Burke will decide between the Vikings and the Ravens within the next two days.

The Bills have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent CB Drayton Florence (Jaguars), KFFL has reported.

Source: WashingtonPost.com, Profootballtalk, Raiders.com, Atlantafalcons.com, Rotoworld, KFFL – 9:27 p.m. et – Updated 10:54 p.m. et