2011 Philadelphia Eagles: Why Trading Kevin Kolb Makes Most Sense for the Eagles

The Eagles have a problem that many teams would die to have: too many starting-caliber quarterbacks.

The Eagles have two quality quarterbacks, which is one too many in this league. Kevin Kolb was drafted to someday take over the starting quarterback duties when Donovan McNabb left town. That time came in 2010 and Kolb started the Eagles Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers. A vicious hit by Clay Matthews forced Kolb out of the game and paved the way for Michael Vick to showcase his talents.

Vick did just that, bringing the Eagles back from a big deficit to almost win the game. Vick remained the starter, when healthy, for the remainder of the season. He shined in that role and created questions about Kolb's future with this team.

Kolb is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season. It is unlikely that the Eagles will be able to sign him to a long-term extension without a guarantee that he will be their starter. This is why trading him prior to the 2011 season is essential. Letting Kolb walk via free agency would be a huge mistake.

The Eagles need to receive some sort of compensation for their second-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft. Kolb will be in high demand on the trading block. He is a young QB that, when given the chance, has shown he can play in this league.

Through four career NFL starts, Kolb has won the Offensive Player of the Week award twice. He was also the first quarterback ever to post 300 passing yards in his first two NFL starts. There are plenty of teams that need an upgrade at the quarterback position. Ideally, a trade would have occurred before the 2011 NFL draft. But, due to the current lockout, the Eagles will have to settle for a trade that can hopefully net them a high pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Michael Vick should go into the 2011 season as the starting quarterback. Vick is working with a franchise tag right now. If Vick can prove that he can remain relatively healthy throughout the course of an NFL season, the Eagles should look to sign him long term. A four-year extension would be ideal in this situation.

The Eagles have two options for their backup quarterback position: go with Mike Kafka or sign a proven veteran, I prefer the latter. Kafka should be given more time to develop, he doesn't appear to be game ready should an injury to Vick occur.

The Eagles should look to sign an aging veteran, such as Marc Bulger, to backup Vick. Given Vick's injury history, the backup quarterback on this team will likely see some time on the field. A proven veteran can come into a game and keep the Eagles within grasp of a victory.