No deal between quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins is imminent, but as NFL.com and NFL Network have previously reported, the sides have maintained regular dialogue throughout the season. That has continued despite the friction created by coach Mike Shanahan benching McNabb, then offering varying reasons for the move, sources said Friday.
The sides continue to trade ideas and concepts on shaping a possible contract extension, which could come into place before the new year.
While McNabb "is not happy" about the benching, he has received considerable support from teammates, the front office and Redskins owner Dan Snyder, and the quarterback has never been given the sense the team wouldn't work hard to secure his services past this season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
"Both sides are motivated, but that's nothing new," the source said. "It's been that way since the season began."
McNabb is accustomed to dealing with controversy from his time in Philadelphia, and while at times with the Eagles he felt like he was more on an island, the reaction to his benching in Washington has been overwhelmingly positive for him, both inside and outside the organization.
McNabb also realizes "the grass isn't always greener," and the issues between coach and quarterback in Minnesota (a potential suitor in free agency) haven't gone unnoticed.
