Donovan McNabb Benched: Possible Destinations for the Quarterback in 2011

The Donovan McNabb in Washington era came to a likely end yesterday when Mike Shanahan said McNabb would not start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and possibly the rest of the season.

With apparently only $3.5 million guaranteed in the extension the Redskins gave McNabb, he is sure to find a new home whether by trade or release.

There will be plenty of teams in need of a quarterback. Where could McNabb play in 2011?

Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Vince Young #11 of the Tennessee Titans talks with a member of the training staff after leaving a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-

This may be an unlikely destination for McNabb, but we can't rule out the Titans.

This offseason, we will find out the future of the quarterback position in Tennessee. If Vince Young is not the answer, then they will be interested in a veteran quarterback like McNabb. This is a team that started 5-2 and has lost six straight games.

They also have two dynamic offensive players in Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt.

Adding Donovan McNabb could be the piece that brings them back to the playoffs in 2011.

Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Denver Broncos at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals def

The Arizona Cardinals seem like a perfect destination for Donovan McNabb.

It is highly unlikely Derek Anderson will return, making the starting job available. Rookie quarterbacks Max Hall and John Skelton are not starting material yet, so bringing in McNabb not only brings them a veteran quarterback but also gives them time to groom the young players as well.

McNabb would be playing in a weak NFC West division, where the majority of the secondaries are questionable.

And let's not forget the receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who needs a quarterback like McNabb to have a bounce-back season in 2011.

Minnesota Vikings

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings watches the action during the game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Giants defeated the Vikings 21-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/G

After 2010, the Minnesota Vikings will be moving in a new direction at quarterback, and it's not named Brett Favre.

There are a few ways the Vikings can go about it, and one way could be bringing in Donovan McNabb.

The Vikings should still have the confidence they can be a threat in 2011. This has been a playoff-caliber team for the past few seasons, and with key starters returning, they can contend with a veteran quarterback like McNabb.

Minnesota almost pulled the trigger last year with him. The Vikings may make up for that mistake in 2011.

San Francisco 49ers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers jogs off the field after losing to the San Diego Chargers 34-7 at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

After 2010, the Alex Smith era will be over in San Francisco.

The 49ers will be looking for a quarterback that can bring them back to the playoffs for the first time in over seven years.

Certainly they will turn to a veteran quarterback, and Donovan McNabb can be the answer.

The pieces are in place for McNabb. A young, improving offensive line with a good runner in Frank Gore and two good young receivers in Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.

McNabb could benefit from playing in the NFC West, which seems like the best option at this point.

Oakland Raiders

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders runs during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders are beginning to be a relevant team in the NFL again.

This offseason the Raiders will need to decide their future at quarterback. Is Jason Campbell the answer at the most important position, or will they head in another direction?

McNabb was rumored to join the Raiders last season, and with a young team on the rise that could be an option for Donovan to consider.

Miami Dolphins

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Could the Chad Henne era be over? If improvement isn't made in the last three games, then anything is possible.

What we do know is Miami would be interested in Donovan McNabb.

McNabb would join an offense with a good offensive line, solid running game and a star receiver in Brandon Marshall.

Add that to a top defense (statistically), and the Dolphins may fulfill expectations if McNabb leads the way at quarterback.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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