NFL Trade Rumors: Why Donovan McNabb to Minnesota Vikings Will Not Happen

The Donovan McNabb sweepstakes kicked off with the sound of a watered-down firecracker. The news on Donovan is that he doesn’t have the skill set to be a starter in the NFL any longer and that any team looking at him should do so for back-up purposes only.

I think McNabb had a bad year last season and that partially due to the Shanahan’s. McNabb needs to improve in plenty of areas but that does not mean he isn’t a starting quarterback any longer.

The Redskins are now exploring the option of trading the former Syracuse quarterback to the Vikings but while many seem to think that this is a done deal there are a few reasons why this deal may not happen.

Here are five reasons why McNabb to Minnesota may just blow up in smoke.

McNabb Fails to Restructure His Contract

McNabb’s trade to Minnesota hinges on Donovan agreeing to restructure his contract and take less money. I believe that McNabb may be willing to take a dip in pay but the amount is probably the sticking point.

McNabb is scheduled to make $12 million next season and if that number fails to fall below the $10 million mark the teams may be at a stalemate.

The Vikings Choose Christian Ponder to Start

Because teams are behind the 8-ball due to the lockout lingering into the start of training camps both teams will need to come to an agreement as soon as possible.

If money becomes the hang-up that dissolves this deal then the Vikings may have to unveil Christian Ponder sooner than expected.

Minnesota Finds a Cheaper Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck is still an option and so is Vince Young. They both will probably come cheaper than McNabb and both are younger than the Donovan. Well, Hasselbeck is only a year younger but he’s youthful nonetheless.

If both quarterbacks are still available this weekend and the trade between the Vikings and Redskins is still on hold then Donovan may find himself looking for that back-up role.

Vikings Only Offer 7th Round Pick

The Vikings will probably only offer a seventh-round pick, maybe sixth at best for McNabb. If the ‘Skins want more for Donovan and are unwilling to move on their demands then the trade just may fall through.

The ‘Skins gave up two draft picks for McNabb and may be in search to gain at least one of those picks back. If Minnesota fails to relinquish a higher pick then the ‘Skins may have to find another trade partner.   

Another Team Trades for McNabb First

The Dolphins and Seahawks are in need of a quarterback as well and if either team offers a better deal for McNabb then Washington may pull the trigger.

Minnesota is much closer to making a Super Bowl than Miami or Seattle but if Donovan doesn’t have to take lower pay to play with either squad his preferred destination may be South Beach or rainy Seattle.