PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick and the Eagles agreed on a six-year contract Monday that again makes the Pro Bowl quarterback one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
The deal is worth $100 million, including about $40 million guaranteed, according to several media outlets.
Vick has come a long way since spending 18 months in federal prison on dogfighting charges. He led the Eagles to the NFC East title last year, was the starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl and was the AP comeback player of the year.
“I’m very happy we were able to reach an agreement with Michael on this long- term contract,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “It’s a product of all the hard work Michael has done to better himself over the last couple of years, both on and off the field.”
Vick was due to earn slightly more than $16 million this season after the Eagles designated him the franchise player in February. He’ll make a little less, possibly giving the Eagles salary cap flexibility to give Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson an extension.
Colts activate Manning
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts activated quarterback Peyton Manning from the physically unable to perform list.
A few hours later, the four- time MVP pulled on his white No. 18 jersey and a helmet, and jogged onto the practice field, renewing hopes he might play in the season opener at Houston on Sept. 11 four months after neck surgery.
“That’s kind of been my goal all along, trying to get better and I know everybody’s into predictions and everybody wants to have the breaking news,” Manning said. “But I just can’t give you any more than what I’m giving you.”
Manning has started 227 consecutive games, including the playoffs, the second-longest streak in NFL history for quarterbacks behind Brett Favre.
Cowboys release Gurode
IRVING, Texas — The Cowboys cut center Andre Gurode for a variety of reasons that included his age (33) and salary, his decision to have knee surgery so late in the offseason that it sidelined him for the start of camp and because of the performance by an undrafted, unproven second-year player (Phil Costa) in Gurode’s absence.
The Cowboys will save $5.5 million against the cap by dropping Gurode, an alumnus of the University of Colorado who has made the Pro Bowl the last five years.
Footnotes.
The Titans placed running back Chris Johnson on the reserve/did not report list in a move that frees up an extra roster spot for the final preseason game as contract talks continue.
• Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler (knee) was placed on injured reserve, opening the possibility rookie Patrick Peterson — the No. 5 pick in the draft — could move into a starting role.
• Bengals running back Cedric Benson was sentenced to 20 days in jail after reaching a deal to settle two misdemeanor assault cases in Texas. Benson said he will surrender to authorities Oct. 17.
• Falcons center Todd McClure underwent minor surgery on his right knee and might miss the Sept. 11 season opener at Chicago.
• The Patriots cut six-year veteran safety James Sanders, who was tied for second on the team with three interceptions last season.
The Associated Press
