A trade that would send quarterback Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals isn't done yet, but multiple league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Wednesday that they believe it would occur within the next 48 hours.
The Cardinals appear to be the leading suitor for Kolb, with the Miami Dolphins the most likely destination for Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who was placed on the trading block Tuesday.
The Kolb trade talks haven't advanced to the stage where his representatives are talking contract with the Cardinals, sources told La Canfora, but the sides were in contact before the NFL lockout started in March, and Arizona understands what the parameters of a new contract likely will entail. So completing a deal wouldn't be difficult.
Sources continue to say cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could head to Philadelphia in a swap for Kolb. The Eagles had interest in free-agent cornerback Ike Taylor, but he agreed to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.
A possible hitch could be a long-term deal that Kolb wants with a new team. He has a one-year contract with the Eagles. If Kolb signs a new contract as part of a trade with the Cardinals, he wouldn't be allowed to practice with the team until Aug. 4, the same day any incoming veteran free agents would first be allowed to work out.
NFL Network insider Albert Breer reported Tuesday that, according to team sources, the Eagles' plan all along was to be patient in exploring the Kolb trade market. That said, the four-year veteran passer didn't report to Eagles camp Wednesday. Technically, he wasn't required to arrive because of a one-day grace period, the result of the collective bargaining agreement being completed Monday.
That said, under the new CBA, a lengthy holdout by Kolb, or any player, could be costly. Breer reported Wednesday that the fine allowable by teams has almost doubled, going up to $30,000 per day, and if a player doesn't report 30 days before the regular season, he doesn't accrue the year toward free agency.
Kolb has openly talked about his desire to play for Arizona, saying it would be a good fit. The quarterback, who turns 27 next month, has appeared in 19 games, with seven starts in the last two seasons. He has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,082 yards and 11 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.
Poor play at quarterback was a major component in Arizona's dropoff from two-time NFC West champion to a 5-11 season last year. The team is set to release quarterback Derek Anderson on Thursday, and coach Ken Whisenhunt has emphasized that the Cardinals are aggressively seeking a veteran at the position.
Kolb began last season as the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, but he went down with a concussion in the opener, losing his job to Vick in the process. Kolb did have a couple of strong performances after that when Vick was hurt. Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, Kolb completed 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
