McNabb to the Rams "not yet completed"
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
McNabb to the Rams "not yet completed"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
ORLANDO – Andy Reid confirmed yesterday that the Eagles are entertaining offers for Donovan McNabb.
Asked if a deal between the Eagles and Rams that involved McNabb for St. Louis’ second-round pick (33d overall) was on the table, a league source said that it was “not yet completed.”
Whether that deal or any deal is imminent is unclear. The Eagles had no comment. Rams general manager Billy Devaney told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he has not “talked to Philadelphia about any of their players.”
However, another source close to the situation said that the two teams have talked, but that the Eagles are still trying to get the best deal possible for their 33-year-old franchise quarterback. The Rams also hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and could use that selection to take Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford.
McNabb would be willing to go to the Rams if he was given a contract extension, according to a source close to the situation. He would not be willing to play for Buffalo or Oakland, two moribund franchises that might be willing to take McNabb without an extension.
McNabb has publicly stated that he wants to remain with the Eagles and retire with the only organization he has played for. He released a blog post yesterday after Reid said for the first time publicly that the Eagles were listening to offers for him, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick.
“My position hasn’t changed,” McNabb wrote. “I’ve said all along that I would like to win a Super Bowl and finish my career in Philadelphia.
“I understand the situation well and just hope whichever direction the Eagles decide to go in, they do it quickly. I think that would be best for me, Kevin, Michael, the Eagles, and any other teams involved. No matter what happens, I’ve already begun preparing to have an outstanding season in 2010.”
McNabb, meanwhile, hasn’t spoken to Reid in months, according to one source. He has spent most of the off-season at his home in Arizona.
The Eagles are reportedly in search of a second-round draft pick for McNabb, but they may have to take something less with the list of potential suitors drying up. Early in the off-season they set the bar high. They were asking for two first-round draft picks and a third-round draft pick, according to a league source.
Yesterday, Reid said he liked the new format for this year's draft, which features only the first round on the first day.
"I'd love to have that first pick of the second day," Reid said, referring to the 33d overall pick. "Where you can sleep on it, regather your thoughts, which you normally don't get to do."
The Bills and Raiders, two teams in need of a spark, could be likely matches. They could trade for McNabb, who is the last year of his contract, without asking for an extension. If they wanted an extension, McNabb could simply refuse to negotiate.
Reid said that the team has placed a value on each of his quarterbacks. It is unlikely that the Eagles would get much in return for Vick right now. The asking price for Kolb is higher than it is for McNabb, a league source said.
If the Eagles can’t make a deal, Reid said that McNabb would remain his starter, Kolb his backup and Vick the third stringer. He was asked if some of the offers piqued the team’s interest.
“We’ll go back and look through those and think through them a little bit, away from this situation here,” Reid said. “There’s nothing right now that I’d jump up and down about. But there has been some interest.”
If a deal between the Eagles and Rams was struck, McNabb would work under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, his former quarterbacks coach with the Eagles. St. Louis head coach Steve Spagnuolo was a defensive coach under Reid.
Whoo-hoo, this is awesome man! Bye bye McNabb. Hello Kevin Kolb. I'm so happy.— soulman386- Please!!!!— Warhound
- I'm telling you people. Kolb will excel in Andy Reid's system. The offense will be more consistent which in turn will help the defense. The 33rd pick would be good compensation for McNabb. They're gonna pull the trigger. This is awesome man! C'mon McNabb supports. It's time to move and support Kevin Kolb. He's your QB.— soulman386
- I'm telling you people. Kolb will excel in Andy Reid's system. The offense will be more consistent which in turn will help the defense. The 33rd pick would be good compensation for McNabb. They're gonna pull the trigger. This is awesome man! C'mon McNabb supports. It's time to move and support Kevin Kolb. He's your QB.— soulman386
- I'm telling you people. Kolb will excel in Andy Reid's system. The offense will be more consistent which in turn will help the defense. The 33rd pick would be good compensation for McNabb. They're gonna pull the trigger. This is awesome man! C'mon McNabb supports. It's time to move and support Kevin Kolb. He's your QB.— soulman386
- Kolb is going to be an interception machine....everybody that discounts McNabb's td/int ratio will learn quickly how appreciative they should have been when KK takes over...Jay Cutler will be able to relax knowing he won't lead the league in picks anymore!— Bleue
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It's time !- I thought that is was odd that McNabb out of the blue would simply offer up his advice or opinion on the trade subject since he's never done so in the past....The alarms went off for right then and there that he was approached by management asking him if he would be willing to go the St. Louis...it's a shame he doesn't have the chance to go to a quality team though. Good luck Don!!— sima_down_nah
- wolf...you are around. Guess the latter part of my argument is correct. You run your mouth but lack the foot"BALLS" to back it up, huh?— Eilex826
- If true, a sad day for Eagles fans. One of the all-time greats. Gave us some great, exciting years.— wondo40
- With Kolb at QB you see less bombs but better short and intermediate passing. More yards after the catch. He'll get the ball out quicker and the sacks will go down.— soulman386
- soulman, McNabb's the QB now. Will you support him?— palmyra21
It'll be sad on one hand, but at the same time, WHOOOOHOOOO! I'm ready for Kolb to take the reigns...what's to be worried about? Reid is a really good coach and Kevin will be prepped accordingly. He showed after two games last year that he is more than capable. Only NFL QB in NFL HISTORY to throw for more than 700 yards in his first two starts...yeah, he's going to be horrible according to you #5 lovers...I miss McNabb already-NOT!HAHAHAHA— kjuggs77
