PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Vick was one of the first Eagles at team headquarters, lifting weights, catching up with teammates, doing all types of activities inside the state-of-the-art complex that he was banned from during the lockout.
He's ready to report Wednesday to training camp, even without a new contract.
Though Vick's not so sure his top target will join him.
Even with the lockout over, trouble looms for the Philadelphia Eagles after Vick suggested DeSean Jackson could hold out of training camp because the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is unhappy with his contract. Jackson enters the final year of his four-year rookie deal, and is set to earn $600,000, way below the market value for a top-flight receiver.
Vick said he doesn't know if Jackson will report to Lehigh University based on a conversation they had Monday.
"DeSean just has some things to think about," Vick said, "and some decisions to make that only himself can make."
Jackson's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not immediately return a request for comment. Rosenhaus and client Terrell Owens battled for a new deal with the Eagles in training camp in 2005. T.O. never held out, though he was eventually booted out of camp and, later, off the team.
But wait, there's more.
The Kevin Kolb trade rumors have been building for months, but with the window for deals open, the situation could take more time than most expected, reports Jason La Canfora. More ... Kevin Kolb, once groomed as the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb, did not attend the voluntary workout Tuesday because he is on the trading block. It seems unlikely he'll be asked to report to camp this week as the Eagles work out a trade.
Kolb started last season as the No. 1 quarterback until a concussion opened the path for Vick's emergence. Vick responded with 21 touchdowns, 3,018 passing yards and was voted to the Pro Bowl. Kolb has been rumored to be traded to Arizona, and it appears his time with the franchise is over. Vick said Kolb, through text messages, is excited about his future.
"We'll see how it all plays out," Vick said, "but we're rooting for him."
Jackson wants a new deal. Kolb wants out. And Vick? Well, he's not demanding a contract extension, but the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year is due one. The Eagles designated Vick with the franchise tag before the lockout, and now have until Sept. 20 to sign him to a multiyear contract or extension.
He's set to earn about $16 million this year. Vick once had a $130 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons that was the NFL's richest.
Vick said he's focused on football and not yet worried about signing a new contract -- or of negotiations becoming a distraction over the first month of the season.
"Everything happens when it's supposed to," he said. "I put that in the hands of God and this organization to make it happen."
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie did not talk to reporters as he walked into the NovaCare facility for a meeting.
Coach Andy Reid, starting his 13th season, is set to take questions on Wednesday when the Eagles open training camp in Bethlehem, Pa. The Eagles practice for the first time on Thursday and hold their first public practice Saturday morning. Camp will break at Lehigh on Aug. 17.
Dozens of Eagles made a pit stop in Philadelphia before departing for camp. Defensive end Trent Cole, running back LeSean McCoy, safety Kurt Coleman and wide receiver Riley Cooper were among the players who popped in for workouts.
"It's been a little different," McCoy said. "I'm excited. I talked to a lot of coaches yesterday. I was happy to talk to them. I'm just geared up and ready to go. It's been a long wait. Not knowing which way it would turn out, I'm definitely glad it turned out in a positive way."
Vick was surprised the lockout dragged on for 18 weeks.
"I thought it would be over soon," he said. "It's tough when you have so many agreements to put in place, so many moving parts. There were too many intelligent people working on everything, the CBA itself, not to get it done. It doesn't surprise me that we're here now, actually on time. It's a credit to those guys on both sides."
Vick had already lost two seasons of his career while incarcerated for 18 months in a federal prison for dogfighting. He was a seldom-used backup his first year in Philadelphia, then saw his career skyrocket after taking over for Kolb in Week 2. He led the Eagles to a 10-6 record and the NFC East title.
He's not wasting any more precious days of his career. Wearing a Nike headband, Vick enthusiastically spoke about handling the responsibility of being the No. 1 quarterback and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship.
"It's more pressure, but that's what I thrive off," he said. "That comes with being a quarterback and being a great one. There's certain things you have to go through and be able to withstand in order to maintain greatness.
"That's what I'm on a quest for."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
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