The Eagles have announced that they have placed the franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick and the transition tag on kicker David Akers. The franchising of Vick had been expected and ensures that the Eagles maintain the rights of The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year for at least one more season. The rules of the franchise tag, as currently constituted, deem that Vick receives a one-year deal for the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Meanwhile, the Eagles certainly wish to retain the services of Akers, who is coming off his second straight Pro Bowl (fifth career). As of now, the transition tag means that the Eagles would have a chance to match any offer Akers were to receive elsewhere. The Eagles would also be required to tender the kicker a one-year contract offer for the average salary of the 10 highest paid kickers and punters in the league. The Eagles receive no compensation if Akers signs elsewhere and the Eagles choose not to match the offer.
"Michael Vick and David Akers were two of our most valuable players last year," said head coach Andy Reid. "They were well deserving of their Pro Bowl berths and we're happy to take this step to ensure that they'll be back in Philadelphia next season."
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 8:30 a.m., February 15
