The Philadelphia Eagles have officially placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick and they have also placed the transition tag on Pro Bowl kicker David Akers. Placing the franchise tag on Vick was expected, but placing the transition tag on Akers was unexpected.
Of course the franchise tag on Vick means that he will be an Eagle throughout the 2011 season and will make the average salary of the top five NFL quarterbacks. It seems the NFL owners are working together because slapping the franchise tag on a number of the top quarterbacks will hold their contracts down.
Vick will get a huge bump up in pay. He made about $5 million dollars in 2010. Now he’ll be making anywhere from $15 to $20 million.
The transition tag on Akers will allow the Birds to match any offers he gets.
Vick had a magnificent year as he finished second to Tom Brady in the MVP race. He won the AP Comeback Player of the Year and led 
the Birds to the NFC East Title. He had a career year and threw for over 3018 yards with 21 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Vick also found the time to run for 676 yards and 9 touchdowns. His quarterback rating was over 100.2, which was second only Aaron Rodgers amongst NFC quarterbacks.
Down the road, the Eagles may have to rescind one of the tags depending on what is decided upon in the CBA negotiations between the owners and the players.
Both are smart moves by the FO.
A little surprised on the Transition Tag for Akers, I thought they may place that
tag on LB Stewart Bradley instead, who will draw interest from some teams.
and I hope they do sign Akers for he’s been too good, for too long just to let him get away..The Kicking game has been a position where the Eagles have had very little worries over the last 10 years.. How many teams can say that
Paulman – Right about Akers.
He’s probably the only Eagle that could have messed up in that playoff game and I just could’nt get angry at. His leg actually got stonger on kickoffs this year.
Stenerud and Blanda kicked for a long time, so I guess Akers can have a few more years left in him.
For the Record, here are a couple of Free-agent players that will remain with their present teams.
Jets place Franchise Tag on LB David Harris
Patriots place Franchise Tag on OL Lloyd Mankins
Chargers just placed a Franchise Tage on WR V Jackson..
Couple of more Franchise Tags to announce
Colts – QB Manning
Ravens – DT H Ngata
Steelers- LB D Woodley
A whole bunch more will be annouced by Friday..