The Eagles should be free to use their franchise tag on Michael Vick, despite labor uncertainty. "I expect the franchise tag to continue to operate as it has in prior seasons and clubs to be permitted to exercise their rights under the tag," Jeff Pash, the NFL's general counsel, said Thursday. The Eagles and Vick have had casual discussions about such a deal, a source close to the situation said. Philadelphia is unlikely to want to bring Vick back on a short-term contract.