Plaxico Burress: 4 Players Who Would Be Worse for the Philadelphia Eagles

We do not know where it started, and we do not know who is responsible.  All we know is this:

The NFL rumor mill says the Philadelphia Eagles have become one of the leading candidates to sign Plaxico Burress, the erstwhile New York Giants wide receiver who has been in jail for the last two years and is set to be released on June 6, 2011.

Look, we are all about second chances and serving your time and paying your debt to society.  At the same time, the Eagles took such a hit with Philly fans when they signed Michael Vick after his legal troubles that it is virtually impossible to believe they are going to go to the same well twice.

But hey, it could be worse.  Here is a look at four players that would be worse disasters for the Eagles than Plaxico Burress.

4. JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

For all of the self-righteous Eagles fans out there who object to Michael Vick purely on the basis of his inhumane crimes against dogs, ponder this:

Would you rather have JaMarcus Russell, a decent-yet-lazy fellow who squandered million-dollar talent in record time?

I would not.

3. Albert Haynesworth, Washington Redskins

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

It must be nice to be able to be paid top dollar to show up to camp late, out of shape and complaining about your role in the defense.

Most people would get fired for less.

2. Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver

Jay West/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 04: Steve Birkhold of Lacoste (L) and NFL player Terrell Owens attend GQ, Cadillac, Lacoste and Patron Tequila Celebrating the Coolest Athletes and the Big Game hosted by Andy Roddick at Hickory Street Annex on February 4, 2011 in D

He combusted the team when he was at the height of his talents.

Now that he is a washed up loser...

That's all I got.

1. Donovan McNabb, Quarterback

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Speaking of not learning their lessons:

If the Eagles brought this guy back after his horrendous showing in Washington, Lincoln Financial Field may actually be empty on Sunday afternoons, even after the lockout ends.