Why Akers did not sign tag; Vick does
David Akers' agent explained that his client would be unable to entertain other offers if he signed his transition tender now.
Why Akers did not sign tag; Vick does
Updated: As expected, Michael Vick has signed his franchise tender, meaning he is under conract for next season.
The Eagles used the exclusive rights franchise tag on him Feb. 15. By using the exclusive rights tag, other teams were prevented from making offers.
Under the current terms of the CBA, Vick will make more than $16 million in 2011, the average of the top five quarterbacks salaries. He had a $5.25 million base salary in 2010, but upped that considerably with incentives. Of course, there is no guarantee that the franchise tag will even exist moving forward.
Shortly after the announcement, Vick wrote on Twitter, "Proud to be an Eagle!"
Eight players who were franchised have signed their tenders as the clock ticks down toward the end of the current labor agreement between the NFL and the players' union.
EARLIER
Chantilly, Va. -- David Akers' agent, Jerrold Colton, explained his client's decision not to sign the Eagles' transition tender in simple terms: the benefit of being transition tagged is that you get to shop for a good deal. Then the team that tagged you is free to match that deal and keep you.
But there hasn't been any free agency yet in this strangest of NFL offseasons, so Akers has fielded no offers. Once he signs the tender, worth about $2.9 million in his case, the bidding is over. Akers and Colton would like the bidding to start before it ends.
Then there is the larger point, that the NFL players' union doesn't recognize the tenders, with no collective bargaining agreement.
"Signing it wasn't even ever a consideration," Colton said, as federally mediated bargaining talks continued in Washington and NFL owners prepared to meet here in Virginia. The NFL could be headed to a lockout by the end of the week.
No reason Akers should sign this; other than to let the Eagles bully him the same way they bullied Dawk about signing their below market offer!— JBinPA
Good for Akers. Wouldn't want to see him leave but he should be able to field offers.— Mabus- how does that green acres song go they play in the stadium? da da da dant dant.. miss miss!— puddin
- He should sign the tender. As I understand it, he would make the average of the top ten paid kickers...that sounds about right. He certainly isn't top 2-3, but absolutely top ten. Signing elsewhere would be a huge mistake for Akers. He has built up a certain amount of slack here. Elsewhere he shanks a couple of big kicks, he will just be cut.— Armyofthe15Monkies
- Somewhere wolf and bill are curled up in the fetal position, sobbing uncontrollably.— cancer36
You guys on here are real idiots and make no sense. The Eagles always make the right choice and akers is only getting older so why would they pay him alot of money when he can't even make clutch kicks. He always chokes in the playoffs and is not reliable. It sounds like he does not want to be here so let the guy walk. He needs to sign the tender or leave and it is as simple as that. Make some clutch kicks in the playoffs Akers and then you can ask for alot of money. Those 6 points in the Greenbay game could have helped just like Andy Reid said.— briandawkins20
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- Akers is a quality guy and kicker, we would do well to keep him. Big Red should not be blaming Akers for the loss, the Eagles were have to figure out how to play 4 full quarters.— Pundit
- The Eagles know Talent. The Mike Vick signing was pure genious. When we draft Tyrod Taylor in the fourth round this year it will also be awesome. The Eagles get good players and are a good organization, simple as that.— brmorgen81
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- Smart move (business-wise) for both parties. Here's hoping Dave has us to kick around next season.— TBear
- the Birds should treat Akers with some respect,alot of teams would love to have Akers including the Giants and Cowgirls......w.— wolf 4
- Go back to Prison where u belong Vick and stay there for life.— MRD
