Two very interesting – and in at least one case largely unexpected – signings have taken place this week with Michael Vick being signed up to by the Eagles and then with Brett Favre heading to the Vikings.

Wait, Vick is an Eagle?
At an apparent $1.5m for the season, Vick is probably a bargain as long as the Eagles’ PR machine can cope with any backlash that will come. And it will come. The ethical question is one that I thought about last week when I was asked how I’d feel if he signed for the Redskins, and the honest answer was that I don’t know.

Whilst he does have gifts, and can add something to a team, and whilst he’s been found guilty and served his time accordingly and subsequently said the right things whenever asked. Whilst in theory he should be allowed a second chance, I think I’d have struggled to root for him. There’s something about the nature of his crimes that doesn’t sit right to me. No, it’s not PETA-style reaction to cruelty to animals, it’s something more basic than that: The cruelty and deliberation of the whole affair.

But anyway, I can stop worrying as he’s now an Eagle. Well, I might worry twice a season if he turns out on the pitch. Especially as he’s on at the same time as McNabb, which has been suggested by the big guy himself. If one of them starts scrambling, you wouldn’t have a clue what was going to happen next and the defense would have to be 100% alert to prevent a big play against them.

Donovan McNabb is apparently happy with the whole situation and is even claiming some credit for the idea. With his new deal in place, he’s obviously feeling fairly secure in his place and rightly so.

We don’t know how much Vick has lost in his time out from the game. He’ll still be fit, but may be lacking in stamina. He might be half a step behind and will have a new playbook to learn too. We don’t really know where his place is going to be, though it’s thought he’ll compete for the 3rd QB spot. If we do see him play, it’ll be interesting how the the notoriously outspoken Eagles’ fans react to him: In particular, his first appearance and any good plays that he makes.

Wait, Favre is a Viking?
Brett Favre… I really thought we were finished talking about him, and celebrated as much when it was first said he wouldn’t be joining the Vikings’ training camp. Turns out I’d missed the “not yet.” part of that statement.

“If you’re a true Packer fan, you understand.” – Brett Favre, on signing for the Vikings.

No, I’m not sure what this means either. I can think of several interpretations, but none of them seem to ring true at this point. So I’m going to assume that it’s an attempt to not damage his legacy in Green Bay by making a call to be “true Packer fans” and stick with the team ahead of individual players who’ve moved on. Or something.

Favre goes into Minnesota as the starter, and Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are now officially competing for the backup position. That’s tough on those guys, but something they were presumbably prepared for.

At a reported $12M for the first year, bring him in is a risk. He’s going to be 40 by the time he next plays at Lambeau Field and there were many – me included – who thought he ran truly out of steam last season. Whether he’s got another year in him is a big question. He’s ably assisted though, and will get to hand off to Adrian Peterson and to throw to a receiving core that has been steadily improved over the last few seasons to the point that they look pretty strong now. Of course, last year’s Jets team looked pretty sharp on paper too…

But like or him or hate him (or just be bored with him at this point) there’s no doubting that he’s a news cycle all by himself. And there is the added bonus that a match that is already looked forward to has gained all new significance for this season: November the 1st is when Favre will run out again at Lambeau Field… dressed in purple. That is now a truly must-watch game.