Why The Eagles Are Asking Too Much For Donovan

Charlie Klein

When I heard that Andy Reid wanted a pick in the top 42 of the draft for Donovan McNabb, I spat out the water I was drinking all over my kitchen table. I was shocked. I mean Philadelphia sports fans constantly overhype certain players like Reggie Brown, L.J. Smith, Todd Pinkston, Hank Baskett etc.

But a 33 year-old McNabb with only one year left on his contract? Are you kidding me? Yes, Donovan McNabb has been a great quarterback in the NFL. Key words there, has been. And yes, when healthy he played well for the Eagles. That being said, going into the 2010 season, the Eagles appear to value Kevin Kolb, a quarterback with far less experience, more than McNabb.

The Eagles are in a great position considering the fact that they have three quarterbacks that could start in the NFL. And they could feasibly trade at least one of them if not two. If they were to trade Kolb, imagine what kind of ridiculous package Andy Reid would want from a prospective team!?! I would venture to guess a top 30 pick this year and next year's second round pick, at the very least.

Aside from the ridiculousness of what the Eagles want for McNabb, what team would be willing to part with that sort of draft pick for only one year of McNabb? Obviously, that team would attempt to get McNabb to sign an extension. But imagine, for a second, that you are Donovan McNabb. Why would you want to sign an extension with the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, etc.

Moreover, most teams that could use a quarterback like McNabb are not just a quarterback away from making the playoffs. The only team that I've heard mentioned thus far that would match this has to be the Minnesota Vikings. But I am convinced that Brett Favre will return for yet another season, so Donovan's straight out of luck.

Teams that are as bad as those mentioned above have more holes than just at quarterback that need to be filled, and the best and most cost effective way to do that is through the draft, and not by trading for a 33 year-old quarterback and hoping for the best.