Does Michael Vick's Signing Threaten Donovan McNabb's Philadelphia Reign?

The Eagles' signing of Michael Vick on Thursday night is a surprising one. Philadelphia already has a superstar quarterback in Donovan McNabb, and a talented backup in Kevin Kolb. There is also A.J. Feeley.

The move seemingly just doesn't make any sense.

But then again, maybe it does: The NFL is all about contingency plans.

Kolb sprained his MCL in practice this week and his return date is unclear. Feeley is a journeyman.

McNabb, meanwhile, has two years left on his restructured deal at a guaranteed cost of $24.5 million.

Vick, according to the Eagles, signed a two-year deal -- multiple reports have stated that the contract is a one-year deal with a team option for the 2010 season at $5.2 million.

But a funny thing happened Thursday night. McNabb said he lobbied for the Eagles to sign Vick and thinks it can be a good thing.

"There's no threat for me, no threat for Kolb," McNabb said following the Eagles-Patriots game. "It's another weapon for us to add. Another weapon for our offense."

It's doubtful Vick can make an impact this season for the Eagles. He has to re-learn the West Coast offense, develop timing with his wide receivers, and get himself in football shape.

Those are all difficult tasks, but things the Eagles believe he can do -- if not now, at least in the future. If the Eagles didn't believe he could eventually do something positive for them, they wouldn't have made this deal.

Why put up with all the negative publicity surrounding Vick if you don't think he can make the 53-man roster?

Which brings us to McNabb, who said he's not worried about losing his job to Vick. Coach Andy Reid said there is no quarterback controversy in Philadelphia. McNabb is the star here and that's not going to change.

Yet, Reid said Vick is a player you have to get involved in the offense. How soon that happens remains to be seen.

Reporters asked McNabb about using Vick in the Wildcat, and McNabb seemed offended.

"I think people look at the Wildcat as a cop out," McNabb said. "He's a quarterback, he's not a utility guy. He's not a wide receiver. He's not a running back. Too many times people focus on numbers instead of the wins and losses."

McNabb knows that the Eagles franchise wants a title and if they deem their longtime quarterback unable to provide it, his remaining time in Philly could be short.

It's unfortunate because McNabb bounced back in 2009 -- from both a string of subpar seasons and a mid-game benching in a loss to Baltimore -- to complete 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,916 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He didn't put up big numbers like Kurt Warner or Drew Brees, or for that matter Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo, but McNabb was one game away from his second Super Bowl appearance.

McNabb still has the skills to play in this league, he was just bothered by the lack of support in the offense. Outside of his short time with Terrell Owens, it was McNabb and some no-name receivers winning the NFC East for a few years -- especially with Brian Westbrook constantly struggling to stay healthy.

But now the Eagles have upgraded the roster with speedy receivers and a younger version of Westbrook at running back.

And this is how the Eagles repay McNabb for his patience: by signing Vick.

Sure, if Vick can become a nice complement to the Eagles offense if he gets his act together, and if McNabb can embrace him, things might be OK in Philly.

But this is the NFL -- players don't always leave on their own terms.

That doesn't mean that Vick will replace McNabb, but it's interesting that the Eagles made this move.

McNabb knows the door is closing on him and the Eagles to win a championship, though. And with Vick's foot in the door, its uncertain how long McNabb has to get a title.

McNabb said he wanted Vick here and that he's secure in his skills and status with the team.

"If I'm playing quarterback for 65 plays and we got 70 plays and he takes five snaps, he plays five snaps, I think I can rest for five snaps," McNabb said. "I'm the quarterback of this team. If he comes in to run the so-called Wildcat offense, I don't think Chad Pennington had a problem with it when they ran it in Miami and I won't have a problem with it as well."