Did Brett Favre just hang a loss on the Washington Redskins?
Favre is supposedly retiring for the third straight year. Nobody will truly believe the quarterback is gone until season’s end, and even then he’ll probably flirt with returning again next summer.
Even if Favre returns, it’s probably for one last season. That means 2011 is officially open for Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb to head to Minnesota as a free agent.
The Vikings blew it over the offseason by not obtaining Favre’s successor. The Vikings could have traded for McNabb or signed someone. Instead, they stayed with two lackluster backups, including former Washington QB Sage Rosenfels.
And now Washington may have also blown it by not signing McNabb to a long-term deal after trading two picks to Philadelphia for him during the offseason. If McNabb bolts, Washington’s rebuilding plans are flat out destroyed.
The Redskins obviously are watching McNabb during the preseason to see if the 33-year-old has anything left before inking him to a three-year deal. Sources say there have been talks, but now that Favre is out and Minnesota has no long-term replacement, McNabb has future options.
Both sides are gambling by not extending McNabb’s deal. The Redskins will surely spend $40 million-plus to re-sign McNabb for three more seasons. If he stinks — and shows why Philadelphia was willing to trade him to an NFC East rival — then Washington blew major cash.
If McNabb doesn’t sign and gets hurt, he also blows some major cash. Both sides can afford the mistake, but it’s a doubly high-stakes move.
Washington needs to sign McNabb now and end yet another source of drama. McNabb has instantly become the leader of this team. He may be the Redskins strongest quarterback presence since Sonny Jurgensen.
Then again, McNabb has no emotional ties here. He was traded against his will, but has shown exceptional character. Still, McNabb can freely play elsewhere next year without regret.
Of course, the holdup is money. When Sam Bradford signed a six-year, $78 million deal with St. Louis as the No. 1 overall selection, McNabb and his passing brethren were rightfully upset. The rookie has never thrown a pass in the NFL and he received $50 million guaranteed.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder isn’t afraid to spend money. Too bad Washington didn’t sign McNabb before the Bradford deal raised the pot and Favre’s retirement created an opening in Minnesota.
It’s not too late to retain McNabb, but it’s getting close.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
