It’s a nice story of redemption, and all that. From federal prison to starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, early Super Bowl favorites.

But should the Eagles have signed him for six years and $100 million?

I’m thinking “no.”

Let’s forget about character issues … though the guy was wreckless enough to run a dog-fighting ring that led to that stint in prison.

And I understand that tying up Vick longterm apparently opens salary cap space right this minute so that the Eagles can sign receiver DeSean Jackson.

The main reason I would not commit $100 million ($40 million of which is guaranteed) to Michael Vick is because he is 31 and much of his value is tied up in his legs — and an athlete’s legs begin to go in his 30s, even without the added burden of very large men taking shots at them.

If he were a pure pocket passer, a John Elway who didn’t need to run or even move, a guaranteed $40 to Michael Vick might make sense. But he’s one leg injury away from being useless, with the Eagles on the hook for 40 very big ones.

The deal makes sense only if Vick doesn’t get hurt and puts in at least three or four outstanding seasons, including a Super Bowl.

Seems like a very big gamble, and not one I would make.  Even if Vick’s “Madden 2012” avatar apparently is the greatest player in the history of video gaming. That’s fantasy. This is reality.