Who knew the biggest news to come out of Philadelphia on Thursday night would have nothing to do with Tom Brady? While Brady did not disappoint in his return to (semi-) competitive football, the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick quickly became the talk of the stadium, indeed, the entire football world. Amazingly, Vick managed to slip into Philadelphia on Tuesday without being detected -- now that's a feat that the folks in Foxboro would admire.

However, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported last night that the Eagles reached out to local activists -- as well as the mayor's office -- before making the signing.

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Gonzalez wrote that he did not believe the reports when they first came into the press box, he didn't believe it. He said there was disbelief -- and considerable mixed feeling -- among the Eagles faithful at Lincoln Financial Field as well. One man in front of the press box, Gonzalez wrote, "put his hands on his bald head and shook it. He did that for a long while. His reaction probably wasn't unique."

A philly.com online poll found more fans opposing the Vick signing than supporting it -- 55 percent to 45 percent as of midnight.

-Vick is expected to play a versatile role in the Philadelphia offense, playing quarterback in the "wildcat" formation and lining up as a wide receiver at times, and not to challenge Donovan McNabb for the starting quarterback job. An unnamed source told The Philadelphia Inquirer that none of the money in Vick's deal is guaranteed. He is expected to be paid $1.6 million this year, with the chance to make $5.6 million as part of a 2010 option.

-John Clayton of ESPN sees the Eagles as a good fit, in part because they are a strong organization that is unlikely to falter in the face of protests.

-Peter King of Sports Illustrated agrees, saying that the Eagles perfectly fit Vick's desire to play in a stable environment in a locker room with a solid core of players.

-Vick will be introduced to the Philadelphia media at 11 this morning in a news conference that is sure to be a circus. After last night, McNabb and Andy Reid took part in the Vick charm offensive, talking about how Vick deserves a second chance, and McNabb even pronouncing himself a dog lover. Vick taped an interview that will air on "60 Minutes" on Sunday night.

-But despite McNabb's supportive comments, and the fact that he has long been friends with Vick, ProFootballTalk.com has a league source saying that the Eagles' quarterback is not happy about his team's move.

-Mark your calendars: The Eagles visit Atlanta in Week 13.

In other news

-The Green Bay Packers reached agreement on a five-year contract for first-round draft pick B.J. Raji, a Boston College product. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)