The big news in NFL betting circles is, of course, Michael Vick signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. The big question is: will his signing have an impact on the team at all and, if it does, how significant will that impact be?

Vick’s emotional impact on the team. It’s possible that he’ll “inspire” his teammates, but I doubt it. Andy Reid is a good coach for Vick but the bottom line is that Philadelphia is an unbelievably tough city to play in for any athlete. For all we know, Vick could get booed off the field the moment he touches the ball, and that wouldn’t be good for team morale. Also, rumors are already flying that Donovan McNabb is unhappy with the signing, so the overall effect on team chemistry doesn’t project to be a positive one.

Vick’s role in possible trick plays. Vick has no chance to start at quarterback right now but Andy Reid is known for throwing the ball a ton and taking risks. You can bet that the Eagles will draw up some wildcat-type formations to use Vick as a thrower, receiver and runner, possibly like what the Vikings intend to do with Percy Harvin. It will still take time for Vick to learn the offense and get into football shape, so I doubt he’ll have a big impact until late in the season (after his suspension ends, assuming it isn’t uplifted).

Vick‘s role as a backup quarterback. It appears the Eagles either think Kevin Kolb’s injury is serious or have lost confidence in him. Vick should become the No. 2 behind McNabb and, while it seems like McNabb’s hold on the job is safe, sports picks fans quickly forget that McNabb was benched for a game last season. I’m betting management isn’t giving McNabb the longest of leashes this season.

The overall outlook is that Vick’s impact should be negligible when you don’t factor in McNabb. His negative effect on team chemistry should counterbalance his possible success in a wildcat offense. If McNabb gets hurt or benched ,however, we’ll have to reassess the Eagles’ odds.