Ban doesn't affect 2009 salary

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Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will be paid $1.625 million for the 2009 season regardless of the length of any pending suspension by the NFL, unless he is released by the team prior to the opening game, NFL Players Association sources familiar with the contract told ESPN.

Vick's contract does not contain any language that prorates his base salary based on his availability for a 16-game season, the sources said. Thus, if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspends Vick for a designated period of the regular season, Vick will not be docked a paycheck by the Eagles for missing those games.

Goodell has stated he will make a decision on Vick's status before Week 6 (Oct. 17-18). It does not preclude him from reinstating Vick for Week 1.

Vick also will receive $5.25 million for the 2010 season if he remains with the Eagles, including a $1.5 million roster bonus due by March 5. Once paid, it is counted as money earned. In addition to the bonus, Vick's base salary in 2010 is $3.75 million, of which $1 million is guaranteed.

Vick does not have incentives in his contract for 2009, but does have $2.75 million worth of incentives for 2010, in addition to the roster bonus and base salary.

Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Vick will get $850,000 if he plays 51 percent of the offensive plays nine or more times in 2010; $1.9 million if he plays in 51 percent 11 or more times; and $2.75 million if he plays in 51 percent of the plays 13 times or more.

All told, Vick has the opportunity to make $8 million in 2010.

Goodell's current ruling allows Vick to play in the final two preseason games. At that point, Vick will count on the Eagles' regular-season 53-man roster if he continues to practice with the team. An Eagles source indicated the team expects Vick to be on the roster so they can continue to get him game-ready for the regular season.

Technically, Vick's contract is not guaranteed, but under the collective bargaining agreement, his salary is guaranteed for this season if he is on the opening day roster because he is a vested veteran.

Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN. Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN.

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Chris Mortensen

NFL reporter

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• ESPN Senior NFL Analyst
• Joined ESPN in 1991
• Has covered every Super Bowl since 1979