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.
A vote for Kolb is a vote for Vick, since Kolb is gonna get killed in there - he's not nearly mobile enough.— Leegles
Atogwe looks like a good replacement for Dawk and the 33rd choice give the Birds an impact D or O guy. So, why not? Trade Vick next and get a vet to support Kevin and then draft a kid QB down the line . There will be plenty raw guys in the 4th or 5th round.— KGKoons- DO IT!!!!— mummer43
- I have mixed emotions about this. I've liked Donovan as a QB, and even more as a person. My two youngest sons think the world of him. OTOH, I think it's time for his train to leave the station. I think Kolb will be good (not great) and I hope DMac does well wherever he lands— Polecat_39
- 2010 season 8-8 ... you won't know what we've got until it's gone ... D-Mac flaws and all is better than Kolb ... more mobile, more gamer, you're all wrong to wish him away ... when we don't make the playoffs next year let's see how you feel then— Dev111ns1de
- This is a deal the public wants, it makes financial and team sense for the Eagles, and increases the chances for the Eagles positive post season opportunities. Make the deal NOW!— misterpond
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- can't wait to see what all you haters post the morning after kolb throws the first of his many pick-6's. this is a mistake.— sore richard
- This is why people say Philly fans suck. And I know its not all philly fans, but come on and give the guy his due. Donnie Mac has been the best QB this town has EVER seen. Kevin Kolb, while I wish him the best, won't be what Donnie was. Time will tell, but I think both parties will be ok. It may be time to move on, but at least give the guy some respect. If Kolb is the next Super Bowl winner, great, but how many times does that happen?— tjacks5
- So, that means Kolb and Vick get to compete for the starting QB? I think Kolb wins that competition but it would be interesting to have Vick as the wildcat for one more year. Anybody know anything about the safety the Rams are offering up? I wouldn't be surprised to see other bidders come in now...— Cameiros
- I like McNabb but understand people wanting to move on. If he is traded, kiss the playoffs goodbye for the next two seasons as Kolb learns the ropes. He WILL struggle until he gets a dozen or so games under his belt. Plus, can he take the pounding? I don't think any of us know that. While McNabb does get hurt, he keeps coming back.— Mike in LA
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- Philly fans must be really drunk to believe the Rams would part with anything of value and offer a contract extension for McNabb. How does this help the Rams? They are a bad franchise but not a stupid one. Rams have AJ, they will draft Bradford, and they want to trade for McNabb? Yeah right.— ricostl
- Philly fans must be really drunk to believe the Rams would part with anything of value and offer a contract extension for McNabb. How does this help the Rams? They are a bad franchise but not a stupid one. Rams have AJ, they will draft Bradford, and they want to trade for McNabb? Yeah right.— ricostl
