McNabb to Chicago? Only if the Colts Won't Part With Peyton...
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by user JasonO
Rumors are circulating that Donovan McNabb could end up in Chicago at some point, possibly prior to this year's season opener. One source of these rumors is this article by Don McKee of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
McKee writes about a potential McNabb-for-Lance Briggs swap, saying "this scenario obviously depends on two things. One, that McNabb is physically ready to play on Week 1 of the 2007 season. Two, that Chicago is convinced McNabb is their best available QB option."
While I doubt the Bears would balk at acquiring McNabb if he weren't going to be healthy to play until, say, week four, I do agree they would only pursue him if he was their best available option. After all, if there were something better on the table such as Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, the Bears would be wise to let the teams duke it out. If the Patriots offer Brady for Briggs, maybe that would force the Colts to up the ante to Peyton and a first round pick next year. Why limit yourself to Donovan McNabb if you can get so much more?
But I think McKee overlooked a third factor at play. It would also depend on whether or not the members of the Eagles' front office can be considered morons. What better adjective could be applied if they were willing to deal their franchise quarterback for a linebacker who has stood in the shadows of Brian Urlacher all these years, and has decided that despite the fact he has a signed contract with Chicago, he does not want to play there any more (TO anyone?). Briggs may be good at his position, but there are lot of "good players" in the NFL at each position. I am not convinced the Eagles want Briggs at all right now, especially with the recent addition of Takeo Spikes from Buffalo. But even if they did, would they really trade McNabb for him?
McKee does say the part about McNabb being traded before the season is all just a "theory". I have no problem with theories, but I do take issue with any faulty reasoning that may frame them- such as McKee's statement that "the question most Eagles fans are asking right now is: Why would the Bears make that deal?"
The real question they are asking is why in God's name would Philly ever make that deal? McNabb has played well, is by no means a locker room cancer, has not asked for a new contract or done anything else that would merit the team wanting to get rid of him. His only downside right now is the injury issue, but his injuries have all been unrelated- so it's not as if he has a high risk of re-aggravating the same problem. Sure there is no guarantee McNabb won't get hurt again this year, but then there is no guarantee that backups A.J. Feeley, Kelly Holcomb, or Kevin Kolb won't get sidelined, and it's certainly not as if Lance Briggs himself isn't vulnerable.
Final verdict on this rumor/theory? If it was for Briggs and Chicago's first round picks for the next three years, that's a theory that would get my attention. Otherwise, a Briggs for Feeley and a fourth rounder would be more down to earth.
First of all, Don McKee's article says that this is the rumor...not what he thinks, but this is what he's heard...He also says it hasn't gotten much press (Probably because it wouldn't happen).
1) While the trade is plausible...no way it happens this year, that's a guarantee...the eagles hedged their bets with the kolb pick, and he's not designed for trade bate (unless the right deal comes along)...
2) The trade doesn't happen for a few reasons...you don't trade franchise QBs for linebackers...period. The eagles are notorious for underrating the LB position...they gave up darwin walker and a 4th rounder for Spikes...not much considering they signed 2 tackles this summer and have 2 picks invested (2005 and 2006).
3) For Briggs, all he wants is insurance...look, so he makes 10mil+ this year...that's great, but if he sucks (hypothetically) or hurts himself...he could stand to lose a lot of $$...sell high is the way the world is now and briggs wants to do that...but you can't blame the bears here...blame the NFLPA...