Would a team give up two first round picks to sign Michael Vick to a huge contract?
The Eagles didn’t want to find out the answer to that question. That’s why they used the “exclusive” franchise tag on him Tuesday. Eagles President Joe Banner informed the media Tuesday afternoon that Vick got the exclusive tag. That prevents other teams from even trying to sign Vick to an offer sheet in exchange for two first round picks if the Eagles didn’t match the offer.
The exclusive tag number could be higher than the traditional franchise tag number. (It averages the top five quarterback salaries as of mid-April.) Vick is the first player this season to get the exclusive tag.
Unlike David Akers, Vick sounds happy to be tagged. (Of course, he’s making a lot more than Akers.)
“Proud to be an Eagle,” Vick wrote on Twitter. “2011 will be a huge success!”
He then sent some fans happy birthday wishes and shout outs. Surely, Vick’s creditors are also smiling Tuesday -- the franchise number for quarterbacks is estimated to be around $16 million.