Some of the notable restricted free agent quarterbacks include Matt Moore, tendered at the highest level of a first and a third round draft pick, Jason Campbell and Kyle Orton, tendered at a first round level, and Tarvaris Jackson, tendered for a third rounder. In other words, all of these players are available to sign by any team willing to give up the requisite picks. So based on that knowledge, now what is the true value of the Eagles quarterbacks?
Obviously the RFA tenders are a theoretical value. Orton's own parents wouldn't give up a first round pick for their son, so he's not going anywhere. Moore has shown promise, but a first and a third is steep--no movement expected there either. Then things start getting a bit closer to realistic. Would somebody give up a first for Campbell? Doubtful, but we're getting closer. A third for Jackson? Remember, the Eagles once swapped A.J. Feeley for a second.
These offers are just a starting point for negotiations, but it gives us an indication of what teams think their quarterbacks are worth. Now apply that formula here. If the Eagles had to tender similar offers to their players, where would they begin? No question McNabb and Kolb would be slapped with the highest level tenders. That's boring. It's Vick's worth that's difficult to pinpoint.
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All personal feelings aside, after seeing what other franchises would be willing to give up for their QB's, most of whom are starters, what should the Eagles be asking for in return for Vick? Suddenly it doesn't seem so out of line that they're shooting for a second or third. Hey, if Tarvaris Jackson can be acquired for the low price of a third--and believe me, he can--how can a former Pro Bowler not go for the same or more?
And there is one built-in advantage for a team to swap for Vick rather than any of these other guys, and that is the fact that he is already under contract. In order to sign a restricted free agent, another team first has to make an offer, which the player's current club has the right to match. There is no guarantee those players can even be obtained. If somebody wants number seven though, all they have to do is pick up the phone and dial 215.
So maybe the Eagles front office isn't completely crazy after all. Maybe their Vick gambit can still pay off, with greater compensation than most imagined.