It doesn’t take long into the offseason for NFL rumors to heat up. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles have already received calls from at least 3 teams– the Broncos, Browns, and Bills–asking about the availability of Donovan McNabb. The Eagles currently have an abundance of quarterbacks with McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick on the roster. So speculation is that the Eagles will trade one of them in the offseason or cut Vick, who is currently paid too much to be a 3rd string QB and gimmick wildcat guy. Rumor also has it that McNabb could be the guy to go, since his contract expires after next season, he’s 33, and Kolb looked good filling in for him last year.
Does McNabb make sense for any of these teams? I don’t think so. All three of these teams have needs in other areas that are greater than QB. The Broncos have a serviceable QB in Kyle Orton and need D and O-line help, the Browns still have a young Brady Quinn and need help all over the place, and the Bills still have a young Trent Edwards and need help with the offensive line and defensive backfield. Plus, McNabb is 33, and doesn’t exactly have a clean bill of health. I think it would be unwise for any of these teams to give up a 2nd round pick to get McNabb, especially since none of them are one QB away from contending.
I doubt the Eagles will get an offer for McNabb high enough for them to part ways, since Andy Reid has publically stated that he’s committed to McNabb. The Eagles aren’t going to part with Kolb, who’s been anointed the QB of the future in Philly, for anything less than a spectacular haul that any franchise probably won’t be willing to give up. So, the most likely candidate to be gone is Michael Vick, whether he’s cut or traded. But for now, I’d say the McNabb inquiries are just that: inquiries that aren’t likely going anywhere.
