McNabb now a Redskin

McNabb

You rarely, if ever, trade within your division. You're afraid it'll come back and bite you in the butt. That's a realistic fear now for the Philadelphia Eagle as they send Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for Washington's second round pick (37th overall) in 2010 and a conditional draft pick (3rd or 4th round) in 2011.

So much for Redskins head coach's Mike Shanahan's decree about his QB position being an open competition. So much for Jason Campbell's shot at retaining his starting job.

Side subject here. Know how Campbell found out about the McNabb trade? A reporter filled him in on the events. Could not anyone from the Redskins front office had a shred of decency to alert Campbell of the team's decision? Here's how that went down according to John Keim of the Washington Examiner.

Me (Keim): Did you hear about what happened?
Jason: What?
Me: The Redskins traded for Donovan.
Jason: Really? Ummm... I didn't know that, man.
Me: I'm sorry I had to be the one who told you. I can't believe they didn't tell you.
Jason: No, that's the first I heard of it. ... I'd better go call my agent.
When I called back later, it went to voice mail. His mailbox was full.

So much for being forthright with your players.

Does this provide McNabb a proper or better opportunity to get to another Super Bowl? No. Not at all. Actually, Arizona or San Francisco would have been better places for McNabb to achieve that. Apparently, they either didn't make an offer or they didn't make a good enough offer. Washington had that coveted top 42 pick the Eagles desired. The Oakland Raiders and the Buffalo Bills were "in the running", too. Both of those choices were most likely shot down by Reid. He wanted to show McNabb some respect and you know McNabb had to have a say in the deal. Maybe Donovan sees something in the Redskins that I don't.

This deal also speaks of the high regard the Eagles organization has for both Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick if they are willing to depart with McNabb. Now, Philly has one QB who has all of two NFL stats and another QB who has been on the shelf for a couple of years. Not good odds for the Eagles, but Andy Reid is showing a willingness to finally move forward.

One last thing. I felt McNabb never got a fair shake in Philly. The Eagles themselves did, but the fans didn't. I know fans in Philly can be harsh (they booed Santa for crying out loud), buthey booed when McNabb was drafted and cheered when he was injured. The criticized his every play with a microscope. I know they want a winner, but I guess leading a team to 5 NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl just isn't good enough.

If the Redskins were to get to the Super Bowl this season, how would the fans in Philaelphia react? And will they give McNabb the respect he deseves like Reid did in making this deal?

McNabb Available

Update: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders are the "favorite" for acquiring McNabb.

Your favorite NFL team can have Donovan McNabb for a top 42 draft pick. The Philadelphia Eagles have made it known that McNabb's services are available for the right price. McNabb would rather stay in Philly, but if he is dealt, he says Minnesota is his preference.

That creates a stir. The Vikes can do it. They do have the 30th overall pick and there's always that drama the accompanies Brett Favre. The Vikings would be rid of all of that if they made the deal. With all the latest talk about this possibly happening, don't think for a minute that this would push Favre into a decision. It's not.

Minnesota isn't the only team that could use Donovan McNabb. Interested? These teams should be.

1. Buffalo - The Bills have an extreme need at QB. Using Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick last season didn't quite get the job done. But, the Bills need more than just help at the QB position. There are other needs that cannot be passed over. I don't think the #9 overall pick would be sent, but Buffalo does have the 41st overall selection. The Bills just don't have a offensive line to protect McNabb. Decent running backs and a good receiving corps.

2. Oakland - So JaMarcus Russell has reportedly shed a few pounds and is in the best shape he's ever been in during his NFL career. The Raiders needed this commitment a couple of years ago (at least) from the former #1 overall selection. You know you'll get that from day one with McNabb, but the Raiders may not be the best option. Like Buffalo, Oakland has other gaps...and the 39th overall pick. The Raiders are interested.

3. Carolina - Matt Moore? Really? Is Moore better than Donovan McNabb? The Panthers are a good fit. Great running game and a Pro-Bowl receiver. What's not to like? Carolina doesn't have a draft pick until #48. They traded 2010's first round pick (to San Francisco) during the '09 draft to select Everett Brown. There is a chance Philly could give on that top 42 "demand" if Carolina could add a player plus that 48th overall selection.