On Thursday, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick signed a one-year contract worth $1.6 million with the Philadelphia Eagles with an option for a second year at reportedly $5.2 million.

Despite anecdotal accounts of mixed reactions from Philly fans, Vick not being able to participate in a regular season game until October 18, and the pull-no-punches reminder from the People Against the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) of what Vick did and condoned, this is still a good move for both Vick and the Eagles and here's why:

Quarterback Controversy: There is none. At least for now. Donovan McNabb doesn't have to go to bed at night wondering if he will be the starting quarterback in the morning. Not too many quarterbacks around the league can say that.

Right now, this situation is like a large wound that has just begun to heal: it's fresh, it's open and you don't want to mess with it much because it still hurts like hell. So you put a bandage on it, take your antibiotics and leave it alone. Or in this case, you take on Tony Dungy as your adviser, sign with the Eagles and your overwhelmingly supportive friend Donovan McNabb, keep your head down, and don't do anything stupid.

But come next year if that option is picked up...

Philadelphia Fans: Known for their passion, rowdiness and boos. They booed McNabb when he was drafted, they booed Santa Claus for giving them coal so many years in a row, and they probably boo Mom when she makes a bad Philly cheese steak sandwich. But this is a good thing. Vick won't feel alone when he's booed (which will surely happen) because every player in the locker room has heard (and felt) the boos cascade down from the fickle fans.

Philadelphia, the city: The sixth-largest in America, and the seventh most valuable market in the NFL, according to Forbes. But Philadelphia is also the seventh most valuable MLB market (Phillies), the thirteenth most valuable NBA market (76ers), and the fifth most valuable NHL market (Flyers). What does that have to do with anything, you ask? Fans and sports writers won't be twiddling their thumbs thinking up ways to bash Vick because they'll be distracted with the other sports teams.

Actually, they probably will be doing just that, but you get the picture. Vick and the Eagles will take their lumps. But as long as he keeps his head down and stays out of trouble, he will find redemption.

Sports fans love a comeback story too much for that not to happen.