Donovan McNabb insists he would like to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles. If his wish isn't granted, he wants the team to trade him quickly -- and it might.
Shortly after Eagles coach Andy Reidsaid Wednesday that the team was entertaining trade offers for all three of their quarterbacks -- Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick included -- McNabb wrote on his Yardbarker blog about his desire to remain in Philadelphia.
"I was asked to respond to statements made at the NFL owners meetings that the Eagles would entertain offers to trade any of their three QBs," McNabb wrote. "Here is my response: My position hasn't changed. I've said all along that I would like to win a Super Bowl and finish my career in Philadelphia.
"I understand the situation well and just hope whichever direction the Eagles decide to go in, they do it quickly. I think that would be best for me, Kevin, Michael, the Eagles, and any other teams involved. No matter what happens, I've already begun preparing to have an outstanding season in 2010."
League sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that several teams are actively pursuing McNabb, and there's a strong belief that he's by far the Eagles quarterback most likely to be traded, even though Reid said the 11-year veteran is the starter. A source with knowledge of the situation said McNabb's suitors are "some teams that would surprise you, and some you would expect."
League sources indicated to La Canfora that the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals are interested in McNabb. Several executives on other clubs pointed to the Raiders as being in the heaviest pursuit, although two unnamed team executives told the Oakland Tribune that they weren't aware of any calls to the Eagles about McNabb.
Cardinals general manager Rod Graves e-mailed the team's Web site Thursday to say he had "no interest" in trading for McNabb.
McNabb has one year left on his contract, and any team acquiring him likely would want to sign him to an extension, but it might not be imperative for some, La Canfora reported. McNabb has an offseason home in Arizona, so the Cardinals could fit, but Oakland and Buffalo wouldn't be as attractive to him, according to sources close to the quarterback.
So, what's the deal?
One team that appears out of the McNabb mix is the St. Louis Rams. The Philadelphia Inquirercited a league source in reporting Wednesday that the Rams have offered a second-round draft pick (No. 33 overall) and free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe to the Eagles for McNabb. However, Rams general manager Billy Devaney told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the report is "utterly ridiculous," and two sources with knowledge of the situation echoed that sentiment to La Canfora.
McNabb is familiar with two of the Rams' coaches. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was the Eagles' quarterbacks coach from 2002 to 2008, and McNabb earned three of his five career Pro Bowl selections under the coach. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who was an Eagles defensive assistant from 1999 to 2006, said Thursday that the report of McNabb to the Rams is false, according to The Associated Press.
The Rams have the No. 1 overall draft pick and are believed to be targeting Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. They also have Marc Bulger, A.J. Feeley, Keith Null and Mike Reilly on their roster.
Atogwe, a restricted free agent, received the lowest tender from the Rams, one year after they used their franchise tag on him. Atogwe has 19 interceptions in five NFL seasons, and he would be an upgrade for the Eagles, who have been seeking a solution at free safety since longtime starter Brian Dawkins left for the Denver Broncos last offseason.
McNabb has spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles, who selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He has passed for 32,873 yards and 216 touchdowns with 100 interceptions, and he has led the team to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance.
