Report: McNabb may be dealt to Minnesota
ASHBURN – Santana Moss is returning. Donovan McNabb might be leaving. And Albert Haynesworth remains in a holding pattern.
So it went on the first day the Redskins could discuss trades or negotiate contracts. They agreed to a deal with Moss, paying him $15 million over three years with $6 million guaranteed. Moss caught 93 passes last season and made it clear all along that he wanted to remain in Washington.
However, sources say the Redskins still could pursue free agent receiver Santonio Holmes, giving them a playmaking No. 1 wideout. He also carries a risk: if Holmes tests positive one more time for drugs, he would be suspended for a year. The Jets are expected to make a big push to re-sign Holmes.
Meanwhile, according to multiple reports, the Redskins and Vikings have discussed a trade that would send quarterback Donovan McNabb to Minnesota.
A while ago, an NFL executive said any team that would trade for McNabb would first want him to restructure his deal. He’s due a $10-million bonus on Sept. 12. League sources have said all along that they’d be surprised if Washington received more than a fifth-round pick in any trade.
The Vikings would want McNabb to mentor rookie Christian Ponder, whom they drafted in the first round in April.
McNabb’s one season in Washington did not go as anyone had hoped. The Redskins traded a second- and fourth-round pick to Philadelphia for him, but he was benched during one loss and then for good in the final three weeks. The Redskins mishandled the explanations for his benching. McNabb’s agent, Fletcher Smith, then lobbied verbal grenades at the franchise and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in particular.
Moss’ return provides a veteran presence at receiver. Washington drafted three receivers in April and also has Anthony Armstrong, who caught 44 passes and averaged 19.8 yards per catch in 2010, his first in the NFL.
Also, the Jets have strong interest in corner Phillip Buchanon, who played in Washington last year and whom the coaches would like to have back.
The Redskins also told punter Josh Bidwell that he will be cut, which is not surprising. They’ve been linked with Brad Maynard, but one team source expressed concern about him. He’s 37, coming off a hip injury as well as his worst season (40.1 yards per punt).
Tuesday also was the first day players could work out at the facility.
“It feels crazy back in the building,” said quarterback John Beck, who said he was told by the coaches that he and Rex Grossman would compete for the starting job. “It feels good and it feels right.”
“It’s like a family that’s back together,” linebacker Brian Orakpo said, “that you [haven’t] seen in an extended period of time.”
Receiver Anthony Armstrong said part of his task in camp will be to help the rookies.
“It’ll be difficult because they haven’t been in a meeting with Kyle Shanahan; sometimes he speaks extremely fast and you’re left with your head spinning,” Armstrong said. “It’s getting those guys up to speed, teach them and hopefully they’ll catch up and help us out.”
