Vick eager to test free agency

NEW YORK - Michael Vick had been asked so many times about his plans for next season that when a Philadelphia reporter asked again Thursday afternoon he faked an exit right.

The Eagles quarterback returned, although not many expect him to be back in Philly next season.

"I'm just waiting it out and going to see what's out there come free agency," Vick said after one of many interviews at Super Bowl XLVIII's radio row.

Chip Kelly said after a 10-6 season that Nick Foles was his starting quarterback. So with Vick confirming again Thursday that he wants an opportunity to start next season, the only way he would return to the Eagles is as a backup.

Even if the Eagles were to offer a contract before free agency starts March 11 - Vick said he had received no indications that they would - he said he was committed to exploring his options.

"I want to see what's out there for me. It's only right," Vick said. "This is the first time and probably the only time I'll ever have to do it in my career. So I just want to take advantage of it. I'm excited about it. It's new, and it's kind of refreshing."

So what else is out there? Vick said he has a meeting with his agent, Joel Segal, on Friday. The New York Jets, Jaguars, Titans, and Browns are among teams in need of a starting quarterback.

A few other starting-caliber quarterbacks are available in free agency, and some of those teams may also draft a quarterback high in the draft. Vick may have to accept a contract with a team that can guarantee only a competition for the starter's job.

If he finds no offers appealing, there's always the chance he could return to the Eagles. Matt Barkley's readiness to back up Foles is still in question. Vick has said he likes Kelly and his offense, and as he surely knows, he would be only one injury away from getting back in the lineup.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old Vick said he wants to play.

This is actually his second time as a free agent. Upon his release from prison in 2009, the Eagles were only one of three teams (the Raiders and Bills were the others) to extend offers.

"I just want to have a good 2014, 2015, 2016," Vick said. "I want to be an asset to somebody's team."

Vick was one of several Eagles making the rounds on radio row. Foles was briefly at the Sheraton Hotel earlier in the day before leaving to appear at other events. Vick and Foles were scheduled to attend the Madden Bowl party on Thursday night.

"He texted me this morning to see where I was at," Vick said of Foles. "So we'll probably get together later tonight."

Running back LeSean McCoy also made an appearance, as did linebacker Connor Barwin and cornerback Brandon Boykin. Barwin said that he was taking an introductory Spanish course at Temple this offseason.

Vick said he wasn't going to stick around and attend the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

"No, I'm going home to watch it," Vick said. "Going to order some fat-free wings."

Kelly would be proud.