Agent: No McNabb Talks Yet
Fletcher Smith, agent for Donovan McNabb, said contrary to published reports, he has not yet discussed the quarterback's contract with the Eagles, though he plans to do so.
Agent: No McNabb Talks Yet
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Fletcher Smith, agent for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, said Thursday he has not yet begun discussions with the team about McNabb's contract, despite published reports to the contrary.
Smith said he expects to get to Indianapolis, site of the NFL Scouting Combine, tonight for tomorrow's meeting of player agents. Smith said he and Eagles president Joe Banner generally have lunch together after that meeting, and Smith said he expects that will be the case this year, as well. So the talks very well could start then, but Smith emphasized that nothing has been set up.
A source close to the situation suggested this week that McNabb would be willing to come to Indianapolis, if that was what it took to have the sitdown with team management McNabb has been seeking. Smith said that wasn't going to happen, with Indianapolis the center of the NFL world right now. "How much privacy would you have for that meeting?" he asked. "We will get to all that in due order."
McNabb has two years left on his current contract, but a new deal with guaranteed money would make a demotion, a trade or a release more unlikely.
Meanwhile, the top offensive linemen in the 2009 draft paraded before the media at the Combine. There are four sure-fire first-round offensive tackles, and the Eagles, who draft 21st and 28th in the first round, might very well end up with one of them, even if they have to trade up. Your Eagletarian would like to suggest the Birds do whatever is necessary to draft Baylor OT Jason Smith. Is he better than the other three? I have no idea. I do know, when asked about the concept of signability, Smith said: "I will be at camp on time, whatever team picks me." Agent Ben Dogra probably cringed, but that's the guy Eagletarian wants. There is nothing worse than trying to cover a training camp no-show.
Smith also competes in team roping, a rodeo event that requires him to ride a horse -- not an easy thing to envision, for a guy 6-5, 309. "I got a pretty big quarterhorse," he explained, in case anyone was thinking of notifying the SPCA.
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
Donovan, tell the Eagles you want out...because you've made enough suggestions that you do. I'd rather take the hit now with Kolb or get Jeff Garcia back as a starter while grooming Kolb or whoever. Let's end this dog and pony show.— walt1- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
- I can't take another two years of this Cunningham clone. Send him packing now.— Tom Kearney
- Calabrese, Your boy Donovan needs to suck it up and play without whining for once. He gets paid good money to win, and thats what he hasn't done. Has he ever come through with the pressure on? I am having a hard time remembering.— gallen024
- Why shouldn't he get a new contract? How about because he is already under contract. A contract that HE signed and agreed to. Just another McNabb disappointment in a long list of disappointments. He can't even man up to a document he signed. What a chump.— Voytas
- There is nothing wrong with getting McNabb better weapons. Would Peyton Manning be as good without Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison? Also, its not like the Eagles have a great option at QB waiting. Did you not see Kolb this year? Those who want to get rid of McNabb, be carefuly what you wish for...— 93phils
- Comment removed.
- cunningham clone? how many NFC championships did he go to, super bowls? pro bowls? How many records did he break? a clone is a complete replica, an exact copy.... so you make no sense.. he will get a new contract, the eagles already announced they plan to talk to him its just a matter of agreeing on the contract.. get over it philly. mcnabb will be here next year, and many after that.— bleed green forever
- Comment removed.
- I love McNabb and have a ton of respect for him, but deflecting criticism of McNabb onto Westbrook is just bush league. ANY team in the league would love to have Westy at RB; I can't say the same about McNabb. He's a great player and a great talent, but as someone above said, without a big-time wideout he's a mediocre pocket QB.— Bozack
- Redoing McNabb's contract means less of a cap hit, if I recall, so it isn't exactly a terrible idea. Westbrook did get a new contract, and I suspect given his sudden lack of durability that he hit the 30+ year old wall. What I would love to know, from all the McNabb detractors, is where you're planning to find his replacement? If there were better QBs out in the wild, teams wouldn't try to win with QBs such as JP Losman, Tyler Thigpen, Tavaris Jackson, Grossman/Orton... actually, if you look at the current starters in the league, the number of QBs that could suitably replace McNabb can be counted on one hand. And of course, they're also franchise QBs. Let's remember one thing: McNabb doesn't play defense. Players like Asante Samuel do. By the way, he had only three tackles in the loss to the Cardinals. Sheldon Brown had one tackle and nothing else. Another note: the big offense acquisition, had a whopping twenty attempts for - count'em! 53 yards. A good blocking TE would be nice. More importantly, a big, big back to kill the clock would be a plus. I don't think we necessarily need a WR. If Jason Avant is as sure handed as everyone says, I'd say run more plays for him. Generally Kevin Curtis is a bit more surehanded than last year's play suggests, so I'm going to say that it was an aberration.— psv
