The Philadelphia Eagles would like to retain resurgent quarterback Michael Vick for "next season and beyond," but have not engaged in contract talks, according to the *The Philadelphia Inquirer*, citing sources close to the situation.
Team officials plan to meet during the next few weeks to discuss Vick's future and a potential contract extension. Vick is in the second season of a two-year deal he signed with the Eagles before the 2009 campaign, after serving 18 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.
The Eagles, with a history of using November to re-sign players with expiring contracts, know that Vick could be a hot commodity on the free-agent market after a string of sensational performances this season.
Vick has stated that his loyalty to the Eagles would bear weight in free agency, if it reached that point. "I think so," he told The Inquirer. "When nobody else wanted me, they did. I definitely have to take that into consideration when it's time to make a decision on something."
With Vick leading the way, the Eagles (5-3) are in position to make a run in a conference that lacks a dominant team. Philadelphia, which plays the Washington Redskins (4-4) on Monday night, is 3-0 in the games Vick has started and finished.
Vick nearly led the Eagles to a comeback win against the Green Bay Packers after replacing an injured Kevin Kolb in the opener. Vick was injured in the first quarter of a loss to the Redskins in Week 4, but he returned in Week 9 to guide the Eagles to a 26-24 victory over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The layoff didn't affect Vick's performance or his approach. Vick threw for 218 yards and one touchdown, and he ran for 74 yards and another score against the Colts. He absorbed several hits in the pocket and several more when he scrambled 10 times.
Vick has thrown for 1,017 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, and his passer rating of 105.3 is the highest of his career. He's also run for 261 yards and two scores.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
