NFL: Falcons Ink Vick

By Allison Stewart Fanstop.com Columnist

As Fanstop.com first reported the night before the draft, the Atlanta Falcons signed the number one overall pick, Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick, to a 6-year, $62 million deal on Tuesday. Vick will also receive a signing bonus of $3 million. The Falcons have a 10:30 a.m. news conference scheduled for Wednesday morning to announce the signing.

Fanstop.com first reported on April 20 that the Falcons and Vick were negotiating a deal that would pay the quarterback between $60 and $65 million over 6 years. I also reported that the Falcons were prepared to pay Vick anywhere between $8-$10 million per season. The deal he signed gives him a $10 million salary average, however he is guaranteed $15 million in the first three seasons.

Vick was drafted #1 overall by the Falcons after they worked a trade with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers were not convinced that Vick was the type of quarterback that was a franchise type of signal caller. Vick looked impressive over the weekend at the Falcons mini-camp. The 6’1” left-hander ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.3 seconds, which was one of the quickest times turned in by any Falcon.

Despite his impressiveness and the multi-million deal, Coach Dan Reeves told Fanstop.com that Chris Chandler would remain the starting quarterback. Sources say the Falcons have already begun trying to devise ways to fit the exciting Vick into their system. Reeves said he would like to use the quarterback at least four or five plays a game next season.

Vick’s agent Mike Sullivan was on his way to Atlanta and did not return a phone call seeking comment about the deal. Team sources say they are thrilled that the deal is finally done. They stated that the deal was about 90% done the Friday before the draft when Fanstop.com first reported it. They said the entire negotiation process was smooth and pleasant.

The Falcons have posted just a 9-23 record since making a run to the 1999 Super Bowl. With Vick now in camp, the team in black will be hoping to turn around their past two dismal seasons. With his athletic prowess, Vick is certainly capable of helping them do just that.

Article provided courtesy of Fanstop.com