NFL Free Agency: Philadelphia Eagles Add Vince Young as Michael Vick's Backup.
Published By Daniel Lewis (Featured Columnist) on July 28, 2011 at Bleacher Report. Click to download article.
The latest news in free agency continues to surround former players of the Tennessee Titans joining together in Philadelphia.
First, the Eagles brought in ex-Titans DE Jason Babin early morning Thursday for his second stint in Philly, reuniting him with new Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn.
Since free agency started, there has also been constant chatter claiming that Titans free agent LB Stephen Tulloch is also on the Eagles’ radar.
Now, there are reports that another ex-Titan, QB Vince Young, has signed with the Eagles.
On the same day that he was released from the Titans and Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, Young is said to have chosen Philadelphia as a landing spot.
In fact, Albert Breer of NFL network reports via Twitter that Young, in fact, has already agreed to terms with the Eagles and that the agreement will be for one year.
With Kolb packing for his trip to Arizona, the Eagles need a backup quarterback who can step in if Michael Vick ends up on the injury report.
Considering Vick’s durability issues and penchant for scrambling, it is quite likely that head coach Andy Reid will have to call his backup quarterback onto the field at some point this season.
Besides, if Vick does go down, Young’s similar playing style would enable the offensive line to maintain its continuity, since Vick and Young are both dual-threat quarterbacks.
During Thursday’s training camp, Vick responded with “that’s my man” when prompted by reporters and sounded eager to mentor Young as his backup quarterback.
“Looking forward to working with him,” Vick said. "We’ll spend a lot of time getting to know one another. It’s cool – I look forward to having him in here, look forward to making him a better player.”
One hitch in a Young-Reid partnership is the quarterback's lack of experience in the West Coast offense.
That said, when asked if it is essential that any signal-caller brought in is familiar with the system, Reid replied, “I wouldn’t say that’s an absolute mandatory thing. I wouldn’t say that.”
Considering Reid’s success with almost every quarterback put onto the field, it is very likely that he can maximize Young’s talents even though the fifth-year passer is unfamiliar with the offense.
Young was available for the Eagles’ taking as a result of numerous incidences last year, including a loud confrontation with then-Titans coach Jeff Fisher.
Throughout his tenure in Tennessee, he seemed to react poorly to scrutiny and criticism.
Behind Vick, though, he might have a chance to rework his game outside the spotlight. Besides, he will be working with Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who has worked wonders with mobile passers.
Of the Eagles’ targets for a backup behind center, Young was easily the best option.
Still only 28 years old, Young still has the athleticism that garnered the No. 3 selection in the 2006 draft. He has also proven to be a winner, going 30-17 as a starter.
The acquisition of Young means that second-year QB Mike Kafka, whom Reid believes has a promising future, will slide into third-string team.
“[Quarterback] is a position you need to take care of. You have to have three guys, and we’ll just see how things go.”
First, the Eagles brought in ex-Titans DE Jason Babin early morning Thursday for his second stint in Philly, reuniting him with new Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn.
Since free agency started, there has also been constant chatter claiming that Titans free agent LB Stephen Tulloch is also on the Eagles’ radar.
Now, there are reports that another ex-Titan, QB Vince Young, has signed with the Eagles.
On the same day that he was released from the Titans and Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, Young is said to have chosen Philadelphia as a landing spot.
In fact, Albert Breer of NFL network reports via Twitter that Young, in fact, has already agreed to terms with the Eagles and that the agreement will be for one year.
With Kolb packing for his trip to Arizona, the Eagles need a backup quarterback who can step in if Michael Vick ends up on the injury report.
Considering Vick’s durability issues and penchant for scrambling, it is quite likely that head coach Andy Reid will have to call his backup quarterback onto the field at some point this season.
Besides, if Vick does go down, Young’s similar playing style would enable the offensive line to maintain its continuity, since Vick and Young are both dual-threat quarterbacks.
During Thursday’s training camp, Vick responded with “that’s my man” when prompted by reporters and sounded eager to mentor Young as his backup quarterback.
“Looking forward to working with him,” Vick said. "We’ll spend a lot of time getting to know one another. It’s cool – I look forward to having him in here, look forward to making him a better player.”
One hitch in a Young-Reid partnership is the quarterback's lack of experience in the West Coast offense.
That said, when asked if it is essential that any signal-caller brought in is familiar with the system, Reid replied, “I wouldn’t say that’s an absolute mandatory thing. I wouldn’t say that.”
Considering Reid’s success with almost every quarterback put onto the field, it is very likely that he can maximize Young’s talents even though the fifth-year passer is unfamiliar with the offense.
Young was available for the Eagles’ taking as a result of numerous incidences last year, including a loud confrontation with then-Titans coach Jeff Fisher.
Throughout his tenure in Tennessee, he seemed to react poorly to scrutiny and criticism.
Behind Vick, though, he might have a chance to rework his game outside the spotlight. Besides, he will be working with Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who has worked wonders with mobile passers.
Of the Eagles’ targets for a backup behind center, Young was easily the best option.
Still only 28 years old, Young still has the athleticism that garnered the No. 3 selection in the 2006 draft. He has also proven to be a winner, going 30-17 as a starter.
The acquisition of Young means that second-year QB Mike Kafka, whom Reid believes has a promising future, will slide into third-string team.
“[Quarterback] is a position you need to take care of. You have to have three guys, and we’ll just see how things go.”