Retirement decisions and McNabb
Generally speaking, I can't stand stories about retirement decisions.
Retirement decisions and McNabb
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Brett Favre's retirement decision could impact the Eagles' future at quarterback. (AP Photo / Morry Gash)
Generally speaking, I can't stand stories about retirement decisions.
Like many of you, I never click on those headlines and wait until late August to find out who is actually calling it quits.
But this offseason, the retirement stories will carry a little more weight to this crowd.
Specifically, we're talking about Kurt Warner and Brett Favre.
Why? Because as we beat this Donovan McNabb/Kevin Kolb thing to death, the question that always arises is: Which teams could be interested in McNabb if the Eagles decide to shop him?
And invariably, the Cardinals and Vikings are mentioned as possible destinations.
Now, if those teams are interested in McNabb, will they press Warner and Favre for decisions earlier than usual? If Favre and Warner drag their decisions on, should we take it as a sign that those franchises have no interest in McNabb? Or maybe that the Eagles aren't shopping him?
Some things to keep an eye on, along with a couple other dates:
One is April 22. That's the NFL draft.
The other is May 5. That's when the Eagles owe McNabb a $6.2M roster bonus, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
As for the other quarterbacks, ESPN.com's Rick Reilly came away from an interview with Warner convinced that he's going to call it quits.
"It means I pray that God takes away the desire in me to play this game," Warner told Reilly. "I've loved it for so long. I need Him to take that away from me, so that I can be comfortable with this decision."
Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that he's "highly unlikely" to play again. Obviously, that means nothing. He just turned in one of the best performances of his career. I think Favre will get the itch to give it another go.
Anyway, we'll keep an eye on the retirement stories as the offseason continues and, when appropriate, try to project how they could affect the Eagles.
So you can go ahead and continue to ignore those headlines elsewhere.
SI.com's Peter King mentioned McNabb and Kolb in his Monday Morninq Quarterback column:
Lot of buzz about whether the Eagles will go with Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb as the QB of the future. Only one man knows for sure. The Big Man. Andy Reid. He says McNabb, but why do I think that's a tepid endorsement?
It's interesting to note that King is one of the only (maybe the only) national writer who seems to support the notion of the Eagles dealing McNabb and going with Kolb.
Yesterday we posted 10 observations on each of the championship games:
Comments (62)
JimG--Mcnabb "said emphatically that he doesn't want to live"? Man, that seems like it's going to be a bigger problem than anything else.— MaC130
Comment removed.- I'm sorry, is your name "essell" or is it "as**ole"? Pressure any QB in the league and it is going to affect their game. Yes McNabb is inaccurate, even more so when he's pressured. Look how well Romo did with all that pressure in his face against the Vikes. Look how well the great Tom Brady did with all that pressure in his face. You people think you're all a bunch of football geniuses, in reality you're the same moron fans that exist in every city of every NFL team. If your team isn't 16-0 every year and doesn't win the Super Bowl, you think you know more than the people in charge of the team. Trust me, you know nothing. Well actually if you're in Washington you probably do know more than the people in charge of that team.— srf466
- Oh please. You people are such haters that it makes you even more stupid than you already are (which is hard to believe is possible). Yeah people in Cleveland would rather have Derek Anderson and that loser from Notre Dame than McNabb. People in Minnesota would rather have Tavaris Jackson than McNabb. People in Buffalo would rather have Trent Edwards. People in Carolina would like to keep Delhomme. People in St. Louis would rather have Bulger for the 3 games a year he's actually healthy enough to play. People in Oakland are in love JaMarcus Russell. You haters are so freakin' stupid. Do you even pay attention to the ridiculous things that come out of your mouth? If McNabb goes on the trading block there will be at least a dozen teams that would love to have him. The issue is if they are willing to pay what the Eagles want.— srf466
Not one QB wiff? Not even one who got sacked 12 times in one game? Idiot.— tpizza- I dont care where McNabb goes, as long as he goes!— oldhat
The Eagles would be should be glad to trade McNabb to any team. The problem is that all of the teams and their fans are on to McNabb. Outside of Philly, McNabb is seen for what he is, and it isn't much. Go ask any fan from Minny, Arizona, Cleveland and Buffalo to see if they want McNabb. Some even get very angry at that thought. Maybe the Eagles can get some of those SB footballs with the Vikings-Colts logos for him.- If the Eagles get a 1st round pick for McNabb, it will be a miracle (unless they trade trade theirs along with him). And the team probably won't trade him for anything less because they think he has more value than every other team does. The funny thing is, this is all OK with them, because they don't want to have to pay the contract that a high 1st round pick comes with. They'd rather get 5 or 6 5th round picks and gamble that they find another Trent Cole so they can show everyone how smart they are. This is all a big circus created by the media. Bottom line, McNabb's not going anywhere.— 86er
- cracks me up when poster say mcwaddle won't be traded to an nfc team. "the eagles would be afraid of meeting mcwaddle in a playoff game" really, afraid he'd choke again.— JACK V
- maybe peter king can coach? he's fat and thinks highly of himself. never read a writer who uses so many 'I's.— JACK V
- Folks, don't be surprised to see McNabb in Cleveland with Heckert. This keeps McNabb out of the NFC and Cleveland needs a QB.— Jazz607
- Oh please. No matter where McNabb goes, he's not going to win a championship. Pressure him and you can be assured of worm killers and airplane missiles. His poor decision making, holding the ball forever unless a receiver has a ten yard space between he and the CB, his inability to run will all contribute to his failure. I wouldn't worry, Kolb will alleviate any concern you have about the Eagles I assure you. You worriers haven't been paying attention.— essell
- Here's an interesting link for all you people who call McNabb a choker. Pay particular attention to the playoff games Favre has lost and his performance in those games. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1001/brett.favre.worst.moments/content.1.html— srf466
- angrybear, do you remember how much the fans hated Cunningham? but oh god if they didn't love him when he was throwing TD's to Carter and Moss that season for the Vikes, while we had who? Bubby Brister? Bobby Hoying? Rodney Peete? I don't remember who we had but that's just an example of how damn hard it is to draft or even find a good QB in the NFL. I hope Kolb is the real deal, otherwise everyone will be screaming about why we let McNabb go.— srf466
- I think this talk about trading Donovan is crazy talk. However, for those of you that want him to go, answer this question - Would you be satisfied if the Eagles went 6-10 for two seasons? Could you stand to see Donovan on the podium accepting the Superbowl trophy wearing another teams colors? If you can answer those two questions honestly, then you can worry about whether Donovan should go.— angrybear
- Bunch of football geniuses. If McNabb is traded he will go to whoever offers the best deal, regardless if it's in the NFC or AFC. The only place he won't be traded is within the NFC East.— srf466
- Does anyone believe that if Reid was given a Fleet Enema it would clear his head. Then maybe he could make the right personnel decisions this off season. Who goes, who stays, who signs as FA's and who he drafts. Their order of draft is this: 1st #24, 2nd #55, 3rd # 70 and 87, 4th #119 and 125, no 5th rounder, 6th #192 and no 7th rounder. Plus additional compensatory picks for losing Dawk, Buck and Tra. 4 of the top 87 picks. How will he go? LB, S, CB, DE, RB and QB if McSmall and Vic are gone. I can't believe he'll be stupid enough to let both McSmall and Vic unless he has a plan to bring in another veteran QB to back up Kolb. Too much of a risk to let both go without protection behind Kolb.— The Marco Islander
- The Eagles wont extend McNabb, vet players that WANT an extension dont play on the last year of their contract, especially when they are injury prone and might well cost themselves millions while playing for a team that has made it clear that they dont want you past your last year....if they dont trade McNabb he will hold out because playing on his last year is just plain stupid for a vet player like McNabb. sorry if it hurts you but you have seen your last snap by #5 for the Eagles— IcanTakeit
- I'll believe Farve will retire when he is in his casket and then I'm not sure.— The Marco Islander
- IF we can get a late first round pick in this draft for mcnabb, then i say bye bye. thanks for the choking in playoffs and great regular season play... Bring in kolb while the wrs/rb are young. Draft OL, secondary. Sign brackett, dansby or ryans. Maybe try to get Bethea.— fman727
- I see McNabb in Miami. Chad Henne isn't ready to be full time starter and Donovan needs another big contract. He can get one elsewhere but not here. He won't begin this season on his final year. There is too much money out there if he leaves. Parcells doesn't trade high draft picks, but this seems like the perfect place for McNabb and the Dolphins.— hawk18
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- The best way to make an NFC team a non-contender is to trade them McNabb.— 88etrain
- As much as I would love for McNabb to win a Super Bowl here this city doesn't deserve him. It would be nice to see McNabb play with a 6'4" WR who can catch and a runningback who can run between the tackles.— Nothing but the truth
- Listen guys Andy will call Spagnoula and trade Vick, our #1 and Reggie Brown and get the Rams #1 and we will get Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska and we have the awesome passrusher opposite Cole. Then we get a safety with one of our second round picks and a linebacker with a third. Then trade this years 2nd and 3rd for Brandon Marshall to go over the middle and of to the SUPERBOWL!!!!!— VegasEagleFan
- Awww. You tricked me there with that "Retirement....McNabb" headline. I thought #5 was calling it quits. Psyche. The Eagles could do a lot to close the huge gap between them and the Vikings by somehow getting #5 up there, but that would still leave them looking way up at the Saints and Cowboys. Though if a 6'0 2nd round 33rd overall pick can get you to the Super Bowl, a 6'3" 2nd round 36th overall pick should be able to do it as well.— jtj06
- i agree completely w/ JimG...but if mcnabb is 2 go shouldnt it be because Kolb beat him out for the position??? and who's the back up QB if both mcnabb & vick are shipped outta town??— the tru 1
- I don't get the "Eagles won't trade McNabb to an NFC team" crowd. The only reason to trade him would be because they think they have a better shot with Kolb. So, get the most you can for McNabb. If they end up playing each other, the Eagles should feel they have the advantage at QB. Green Bay did a real nice job of keeping Farve from the Vikings, didn't they? What'd they get for their troubles?
- I would love to see Kolb come out and say he wants to be traded. Vick is going to sign elsewhere, and this would leave McNabb as the only QB on the roster. We all know that Donovan does not like any QB competition so this would make him have an all-pro season.Yeah!!!!!— Bethlehem John
- Brett Favre took such an enormous pounding yesterday that I truly felt sorry for the magnificent old goat.If his wife has ANYTHING to do with the decision, he will be at home next year! The looks on her face when she was watching the man she loves get plowed under by the pass rush was......frightening. If he got out of bed this morning without help, bless his heart. I am certain he won't make ANY decision yet, because he will need at LEAST a month for his body to completely heal. But I am 0f the opinion that he will be back for another try for the ring! There is no question that the fire will be in his belly...and after all he IS the best shot the Vikes have to get there in the first place. I wish him all the luck in the world next season.— TBear
- Brett Favre took such an enormous pounding yesterday that I truly felt sorry for the magnificent old goat.If his wife has ANYTHING to do with the decision, he will be at home next year! The looks on her face when she was watching the man she loves get plowed under by the pass rush was......frightening. If he got out of bed this morning without help, bless his heart. I am certain he won't make ANY decision yet, because he will need at LEAST a month for his body to completely heal. But I am 0f the opinion that he will be back for another try for the ring! There is no question that the fire will be in his belly...and after all he IS the best shot the Vikes have to get there in the first place. I wish him all the luck in the world next season.— TBear
- Since Andy just extened his contract, expect Donovan to remain an Eagle.— wcoastphan
- phillysportscomplainer when did you and mcnabb get hitched?? because i doubt even his wife defends him as incessantly as you do
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- I think that McNabb would be the perfect fit in Minnesota. Big targets. The running backs can pick up third and ones. They like the screen. Terrific defense. I honestly think he would have a shot at winning a Super Bowl there. They certainly would trade McNabb to an NFC team. They traded with Dallas. All the Eagles care about is being competitive and making money. If they win a Super Bowl along the way, great. It will be crushing if the Saints win a Super Bowl before the Eagles.— HandNik
- They need to trade him to whomever offers the best package of picks. The Eagles are at least two years away from being serious contenders, especially with the current defense.— beegal99
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- Well, TO was wrong. He said if we had Favre, we'd win the super bowl. But, if we had Favre, we'd only have another NFC loss. Of course, that is better than one and done.— Bama
- McNabb is 33 or 34 years old, has one year left on his contract which pays him $10M to $15M per year PLUS a $6.2M signing bonus..... that's not a real valuable trade chip.— Big Game
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- QBs who are true passers seem to win it all, don't they?— psuwelsh
- Why is it that "Our Fans" are always asking for McNabb's head? Dan Marino never won the "Big Game" and it took Elway until his last 2 years to get his. Both of these QB'S were great. I love the Eagles and I hope to see McNabb end his career here where he belongs.— Smuve
- The same ... day late and a dollar short crowd ... will all be back next year.— Gringo4
- Please do not introduce logic to this board. We need to read more about Donovan McNabb and Cliff Lee.— vafan
- Andy Reid did NOT emphatically say that McNabb would be the QB next season. After the Dallas game the reporters asked him if he expected McNabb to be back next season. He quickly answered "yes, I do." He didn't expand on that answer. It did not sound at all emphatic. It sounded like a provisional answer.— soulman386
- McNabb has a significant hand to play in this. he's on the last year of a contract. He needs to want to resign wiht the team that the Ealges are negotiating with. All his agent needs to do is float the idea that Donnie won't sign wiht a rebuilding franchise, and your list of perspective bidders is greatly reduced and the price tag goes down. Team is not going to give up a high # 1 pick for a 1 year Qb rental for a team that isn't winning a chamionship anyway. Only to have #5 leave in free agency and sign with the team of his choice. he is going to leave here with an enormous chip on his shoulder and want to prove that he can win Championship. How many teams are a QB away from championship contention. Answer that and you'll know what the birds bargaining position will be.— gee1971
- at least you know espn and nfl net work etc would love the Mcnabb TO thing to happen again and Buffalo would definately be in the spot light— jt2211
- amen JimG. the local press is an anathema. they only exist to pile whatever nonsense they can think of to bring more eyes to the paper, because if they do not then they get fired. integrity comes in a distant second.— barrywil
- Afer reading these posts all I can say is wow...— SecondToNone
- So we need to speculate about who will retire so we can create speculation about whether the Eagles would get rid of McNabb and then speculate which teams we would trade McNabb too? Yawn...don't you guys (local sports reporters) get bored of doing this every single off-season? Can't you find anything else to write about during the off-season? McNabb said emphatically that he doesn't want to live and Reid said emphatically that McNabb isn't going anywhere. What is the point of asking these guys about this stuff if you're just going to ignore their answers and write what you want anyway? Then you guys wonder why they don't like talking to the local media, lol. Out of ideas for stories? Here's some ideas for you. You could write about the draft needs of the Eagles, players that are supposed to be available around our 1st round draft slot, talk to the players who are on IR or going to need off-season surgery and find out about their status and rehab, talk to the young players and find out what their off-season plans are to improve their games, talk to any of the several other talented players on the team besides McNabb and do an in-depth piece on them. Really, anything that involves actual research, analysis and thought other than just pulling nonsense out of thin air would be great.— JimG
- Why would we want to trade him to a team that does not have good draft picks (Cards, Vikes)? Trade him to the Raiders who will give up two 1st round picks for this season and next year. We know they will stink both years! Even one first rounder this year and a second rounder next year would be good. If not them, then Buffalo is also a good fit...— sima_down_nah
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- Buffalo seems a more likely destination for McNabb than an NFC team.— paolibulldog
- Agree with Soulman, really sucks cuz I'm sure both teams, especially Childress, would offer a nice little package for Don but he's not going to an NFC team, let alone a very good one that the Eagles could see in the playoffs. Vick is another story, he could go to whoever offers the best package but I think Don/Kolb would only go to an AFC team and Big Andy would just use the Cards/Vikes/Rams offers as leverage. Thinkin the Bills as the likely landing spot if dealt but my god, would Marv really make a new coach deal with the Donovan-TO reunion? Poor guy.— Funboy
- At least we don't have that Qb that has that terrible playoff record, you know the one that people always seem to bring up when you talk about McNabb's playoff failures. Who's his name??? Ohh yeah Peyton Manning.... LOL— jamurf
- I like the kid on the Jets, Sanchez. Good reads, has tight spiral. Look for him to be one of the better NFL QBs.— wil
- Why not trade him to the Vikings! NFC championship Klob vs McNabb, then we'll see who was right!
- Favre will announce his retirement then announce his unretirement in time for training camp. By then, he would asked to be released from his contract with the Vikes and sign with the Bears...— palmyra21
- hey, maybe mcnabb will retire and the eagles can trade for warner... oh well, i can dream....
- Sheil, the Eagles will NOT trade McNabb to a NFC team. You can rule out the Cards and Vikings. They're not stupid to make the Cards or Vikings contenders again by giving them McNabb. They will take less in a trade to send him to an AFC team. It will be like the Packers trading Favre to the Jets.— soulman386
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Sheil Kapadia is in his fifth season writing about the Eagles and the NFL for philly.com. His earliest
memories as a sports fan include several trips to Veterans Stadium with
his Dad. He's not a beat writer or an Insider, but is here to
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