Skins’ deal for McNabb stuns many NFL execs
The move made sense and yet it didn’t. Donovan McNabb is a terrific fit in Mike Shanahan’s system. He’s big, athletic and has a strong arm. What’s not to like? That’s the part that makes sense.
The other part? Why would the Philadelphia Eagles trade their star quarterback to another team in their division?
“I would have taken a third-round pick just to get him out of the division,” one general manager said.
In talking to several front office executives and an NFL talent evaluator, there was a unanimous opinion: The Redskins upgraded in a major way at quarterback by getting McNabb on Sunday night. And none of them thought the price (a second-round pick this year and either a third or a fourth rounder next year) was steep.
McNabb will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday. Shanahan also will talk about McNabb at that time — and clear up Jason Campbell’s status. Shanahan met with Campbell on Monday afternoon.
NFL sources expect McNabb and the Redskins to eventually agree to a multi-year deal.
But suffice to say the move stunned many around the NFL. They also applauded the trade.
“The quarterback is everything,” the GM said. “You can’t evaluate your team until you get a quarterback. Now in their minds they can certainly be a contender. They’re in it to win now and they have a good three-year window with McNabb. He’s still on. His game is still his game and he still has good years left.”
Another NFC personnel executive said this provides a necessary jolt for the franchise.
“This is a shot in the arm for the Redskins. They made a move to put a little energy into the team,” he said. “You bring leadership, some veteran savvy, a guy that can make plays on the run and in the pocket. He brings the best out of everybody.”
McNabb fits the description of quarterbacks favored by Shanahan: big, athletic and strong-armed. Shanahan likes to use play-action, bootlegs and rollouts — more than what McNabb used in Philadelphia.
“I don’t see a downside in terms of him being able to get the most out of Donovan,” said another executive who once worked for the Eagles. “In Philly he ended up being more of a pocket passer. … He still has a good three to five years left in the tank. The guy has great personality; he’ll be a source of positive energy.”
One NFL source said he wonders how quickly McNabb will adapt to Shanahan’s version of the West Coast offense. He also wondered if his leadership is as good as advertised.
“The best thing the Redskins have in this situation is Shanahan,” the NFL source said. “He’s very good with quarterbacks and schemes. Donovan was undisciplined and he was fortunate that he’s had one coach the whole time and has been in one system. The guy has done a lot of great things.”
