Donovan McNabb: Philadelphia Quarterback Should Demand a Trade

It seems like every off-season in Philadelphia is the same recently.  The rumors begin to float around that Donovan McNabb may be traded. 

McNabb has been the heart and soul of the Eagles for many years and he deserves better treatment than this.  The Eagles management knows what they get with McNabb (the positives and the negatives). 

They know what he means to the team.  If they are going to trade him, get it done.  If they aren’t, and these are just rumors, say so publicly.  McNabb deserves better treatment than what he is currently getting from Eagles Management.

Now don’t misunderstand the point.  McNabb is not in the prime of his career.  Speaking as a GM, it may be the right decision for the Eagles to trade him. 

In recent years he has had to fight through multiple injuries, some of which kept him off the field for extended periods.  He can’t escape from a collapsing pocket the way he used to or pick up the third and long with his legs if the pass just isn’t there. 

Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick may ultimately be the long term solution for the Eagles.  My point is that this decision should be made sooner rather than later out of respect to McNabb.

Do you honestly think Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick are the answer in Philly for 2010? 

First look at Kolb. He has started two games and some people already say he is better than McNabb.  In those two games he threw four touchdowns and three interceptions.  He did beat a Kansas City Chiefs team week three that was in disarray.  Kansas City only won two of their first 10 games. 

Second, look at Michael Vick.  The question here would be, do you get the Vick of before or after prison? Vick did look better as the season progressed, but are you willing to put the future of a franchise in the hands of a quarterback hoping he can get back to what he was before.  Is he even a good fit for an East coast offense?

McNabb is a better passer than Vick was or ever will be.  Also, after what McNabb did to get the Eagles to give Vick a chance, would Vick even take the job?

Are either Kolb or Vick really better options than McNabb for a team that can win right now?  Kolb may develop into a better quarterback after playing a couple years in the league, but is he going to be the best option right now?  Kolb should back up McNabb for one or two more years and then inherit the starting role. 

This all being said, McNabb should ask to be traded from the Eagles.  This would force the ownership to make this decision.  Will they announce that they want to keep McNabb or will they stay quiet?  If they stay quiet or show any signs of wavering, McNabb should leave the Eagles.

There are two teams that would be a perfect fit for McNabb right now and would likely open their arms to him. Those teams would be the Carolina Panthers or the Cleveland Browns.  The Minnesota Vikings could also be an option if Brett Favre decides to re- re- retire. 

Both the Panthers and Browns have good running games and are just waiting for a veteran quarterback to come in that can manage a game, give them a passing threat, and more importantly provide veteran leadership.   

My hope is that the Eagles executives step up and do the right thing.  They should announce that they want McNabb as their starter in 2010 and want him to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle.  Anything short of this would be a shame.