Eagles plan to keep Vick, sources say

Amid speculation that the Philadelphia Eagles may make a move with backup QB Michael Vick, sources familiar with Philadelphia’s decision-making process said the only way the team would release Vick is if he forced them to do so — meaning he lied about what happened in the early morning hours of June 25, after his 30th birthday party.

Sources said the Eagles have invested a lot of time in Vick, and they’re inclined to see him finish out this season, the final year of his two-year contract.

As for the monetary investment, it’s pretty big considering he’s a backup, not a starter.

Vick’s base salary for 2010 is $3.75 million, with $1 million of it fully guaranteed. The $1 million was guaranteed on March 12. Vick was also paid a $1.5 million roster bonus in early March. If he’s on the 53-man roster on Sept. 8 (first week of the regular season), the rest of his base salary becomes guaranteed because he’s a vested veteran. According to a source, Vick also has over $2.7 million in incentives based on playing time and other parameters.

As for Vick’s staying in line with what the team expects from him, player sources said he stays pretty quiet and he’s well-liked by his teammates. Another source added Vick has formed a strong relationship with new starting QB Kevin Kolb. Vick also has done what the team has asked from a public relations standpoint.

Regarding acquiring Baltimore Ravens QB Troy Smith, any interest in Smith would only come if the Eagles decided to part with Vick, sources said. Philadelphia, as pointed out by a pro personnel source, wants to keep using the wildcat formation this season, with or without Vick. Apparently, coach Andy Reid continues to be intrigued with prospect of developing that specialty package. Smith would be able to easily handle running the wildcat because of his movement skills, the source added. The source also said Philadelphia wouldn’t have interest in Baltimore QB John Beck because of his lack of arm strength and slow movement in the pocket.

In other news, the team agreed to terms on a four-year deal with fifth-round pick Riley Cooper (WR, 6-3, 222, Florida), the team announced. According to a source, Cooper’s four-year deal is worth just over $1.96 million with a signing bonus worth roughly $171,500.

Cooper figures to challenge for the No. 5 receiver role in training camp. If he makes the team coming out of the preseason, Cooper could be a part of the team’s red zone package because of his size.

The Baltimore Ravens officially signed veteran QB Marc Bulger on Tuesday. Bulger, who agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.8 million deal almost three weeks ago, will assume the No. 2 role.

Bulger’s signing will give the team excellent veteran experience behind starter Joe Flacco. Bulger’s integration into Baltimore’s offense shouldn’t be hard, because he played in a similar scheme with the St. Louis Rams before last season, a source said.

The team also signed third-round pick Ed Dickson (TE, 6-4, 250, Oregon) to a three-year deal. Dickson agreed to the deal worth just shy of $1.88 million with a signing bonus worth just over $662,000 nearly two weeks ago.

The athletic pass catcher will compete for the No. 2 role against fellow rookie TE Dennis Pitta. A player source said Dickson is clearly the more athletic of the two tight ends, but Pitta appears to be the better route runner.

Baltimore also signed fifth-round pick Arthur Jones (DT, 6-3, 305, Syracuse) to a three-year deal. Like Dickson, Jones agreed on his deal a few weeks ago. According to a source, Jones’ three-year deal is worth just shy of $1.35 million with a signing bonus worth just over $133,000.

Jones, who had a low-first-round, early-second-round grade from most NFL teams coming into his final season at Syracuse, figures to challenge for a job with the Ravens as a fourth defensive end.

The Cleveland Browns waived DE Keith Grennan, a source said. Grennan spent time on Cleveland’s practice squad last season. Grennan was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007 by the San Diego Chargers.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed fifth-round pick Larry Hart (DE, 6-0, 248, Central Arkansas), the team announced.

Hart, an NFL Combine noninvitee, has a quick first step, a personnel source said, but he’s seen as a raw prospect overall in scouting circles.

Because Jacksonville has next to no depth at the position, Hart will have a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster if he has a strong training camp.

The Miami Dolphins have signed fifth-round pick Reshad Jones (S, 6-1, 215, Georgia) to a four-year deal, a source confirmed. The team has yet to announce the move, but the transaction was turned into the league on Monday.

Jones, who some personnel evaluators would be better off playing as an in-the-box safety because of his size, worked as a free safety during the team’s OTA practices.