Donovan McNabb in Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings have their quarterback of the future in rookie Christian Ponder, but they still have to get through the games right now before
handing the ball to him. The word from NFL.com is that Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb is being sent to the Vikes and they will ‘work out a new deal’ Wednesday with McNabb’s agent, Fletcher Smith, since ‘the club has said it is unable to absorb his existing contract.’
National Football Post notes that speculation has it that ‘a seventh-round pick or a sixth at highest would get’ the actual trade done for the Minnesota.
McNabb was a bust for the Redskins last year after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in 13 games, threw 15 interceptions and 14 touchdowns, and was benched partway through the season by Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan.
Donovan McNabb.
Two somewhat muddled NFL quarterbacking situations could be clarified very soon.
NFL Network, ESPN and FOXSports are reporting that Redskins QB Donovan McNabb will be traded to the Vikings if he agrees to restructure a contract scheduled to pay him north of eight figures in 2011. Washington would likely get two draft picks in return, including a sixth rounder in 2012 and another conditional pick per the reports.
The Redskins acquired McNabb in 2010 for two draft choices (including their 2010 second rounder). He struggled through arguably his worst season as an NFL starter and was benched for the final three games as coach Mike Shanahan assessed journeyman QB Rex Grossman. But the Redskins signed McNabb to a five-year – $78 million extension last November prior to his demotion; Washington can opt out now after paying him only $3.5 million of that package, but its bulky length and value make trading him prohibitive unless he approves hefty reductions.
The Vikings picked QB Christian Ponder with the 12th pick of the 2011 draft. But acquiring McNabb would give Ponder time to adjust to the NFL while likely giving Minnesota a shot at one more Super Bowl run. Minnesota is just one year removed from a voyage to the NFC Championship Game under veteran QB Brett Favre, who retired this offseason – we think.
If McNabb is ousted from office in D.C., Shanahan’s Redskins would presumably move forward with QBs John Beck and Grossman – who is expected to re-sign with the team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUOo_HGpEOE
The gates were up, training facilities were open, and NFL players were allowed back in Tuesday to meet with coaches, work out, take physicals, and receive playbooks.
Teams also were allowed to sign their drafted players and undrafted free agents, and negotiate with free agents.
Marquee disappointments-turned-distractions Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth were still on the Washington Redskins roster.
Neither McNabb nor Haynesworth was among the early arrivals, hardly a surprise given the lingering acrimony from last season. McNabb was benched twice by coach Mike Shanahan and demoted to third string for the final three games – while Haynesworth feuded often with the coach and was suspended for the final four games.
The lockout meant Shanahan couldn’t trade or release the former Eagles quarterback or the defensive tackle until this week.
The Minnesota Vikings are among a few teams that have had trade discussions with Washington about McNabb (according to ESPN.com) which cited league sources.
Receiver Santana Moss was the first of the Redskins’ free agents to return to the fold, agreeing to a three-year, $15 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus – according to ESPN.