Two Weeks Later: McNabb Signs Five-year Extension with Skins

Earlier today ESPN reporter Michael Smith broke the news in D.C.

The Washington Redskins, hours before the team's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, signed 33-year old veteran Donovan McNabb--the former long-time Eagle--to a five-year, $78 million contract extension. The contract reportedly includes around $40 million in guaranteed money.

The signing came just two weeks after head coach Mike Shanahan benched McNabb in Detroit with two minutes remaining in the game. Washington was trailing by six when Rex Grossman was sent on to the field as McNabb looked on. On the first play from scrimmage, Grossman fumbled the ball, which was recovered by rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and returned 17 yards for a game-sealing touchdown.

It was later discovered that, in fact, there was no sort of injury involved with the benching, and that Shanahan made the decision because of his unfamiliarity with the two minute offense. He never even said that he regretted the decision to sit him.

As much of a head-scratcher as this seems to me, and likely many other NFL followers out there, the Skins seem to know what they want. Even if that does happen to be Donovan McNabb under center for at least another five years. Huge risk which may not be worth the price in the end.

Photo Credit

Donovan McNabb: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Top Five Off-Season Acquisitions

With most of the acquisitions already being completed and with team mini camps in full swing, it's time to look back at a crazy winter and spring full of bold moves made by desperate teams, as well as a few on the verge of taking the next step.


5. Joey Porter, LB, Cardinals: His production in tackles has gone down a bit over the years, but the 33-year old Porter, former Steeler and Dolphin, is a great pick-up for Arizona.   Porter signed a three-year contract with the team just two weeks after Karlos Dansby signed with Miami (what a coincidence, the two basically just flip-flopped).  Arizona lost a great coverage linebacker in Dansby but were able to pick up a solid pass-rusher in Porter.  Maybe a little more than what I would've paid for ($24.5 million; $17.5 million guaranteed), but if he plays up to his ability it will be well worth it in the end.

4. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears: He would be higher on this list, but I think the Bears are just paying way too much money for the coveted D-end ($91.5 million with $42 million guaranteed in the first three years), and because of that he may under-perform to many's standards.

3. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens: Last year Flacco lacked a strong receiving corps, with veteran Derrick Mason being his go-to guy.  Now, not only does Flacco have Mason back, but he also has Boldin and his play-making ability after the catch.  Because of Boldin, I think Baltimore is ready to take the next step.  The best part?  They locked him up for four years with only $10 million in guaranteed money.  Not a bad price for a top-10 wide-out.

2. Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins: Much like Baltimore, Miami had a young quarterback under center with limited weapons on the offensive side of the ball last season.  With Marshall now in the lineup, young quarterback Chad Henne now has a go-to primary receiver who, like Boldin, is fantastic after the catch and is bound to make big plays.  Marshall is locked up for four years too and only cost Miami two draft picks.

1. Donovan McNabb, QB, Redskins: The Jason Campbell era in Washington is finally over and the Skins are ready to start over with a brand new head coach (Mike Shanahan) and signal-caller (the 33-year old McNabb).  Despite his age, McNabb is a great fit to turn the Skins around.  He hasn't seemed to have lost much over the past couple of years and is motivated to get revenge on his former team, who he will be playing not once, but twice, each year.

Best FAs still out there:

*Brian Westbrook, RB
*Jamal Lewis, RB
*Brad Hoover, FB
*Terrell Owens, WR
*Muhsin Muhammad, WR
*Kevin Curtis, WR
*Flozell Adams, OT
*Orlando Pace, OT
*Chester Pitts, G
*Kevin Mawae, C
*Leonard Little, DE
*John Henderson, DT
*Derrick Burgess, OLB
*Clint Ingram, OLB
*Keith Bulluck, OLB
*Antonio Pierce, ILB
*Fred Smoot, CB
*Anthony Henry, CB
*Darren Sharper, S
*Gibril Wilson, S
*Tyrone Carter, S
*Shayne Graham, K

Chances of a McNabb/T.O. Reuinion in DC

Believe it or not, there's word out there that newest Washington Redskin wants a reunion with troublesome wide receiver Terrell Owens.

What makes this so preposterous is the way the two Pro Bowlers ended their last relationship in Philly.  The two didn't seem to get along all that well.  There are several clips out there of these two professional athletes yelling at each other on Philadelphia's sidelines.

To tell you the truth, I think it's a huge risk signing just one of these guys to a contract.  Both are in their mid-to-upper 30s and have their best days behind them.  I think it's scary to think that they are both interested in playing with each other again.

 If I were Dan Snyder, I wouldn't care what either of them say.  Do not sign Owens, Snyder.  If you want to win this year, the smart move would be to stay away from Owens.  I haven't heard much reaction from Washington fans yet, but I don't care if they urge you as well.  Just don't do it.

Every other team that has signed Owens seems to have regretted it by the end of his stint with the team.  Why bring him in to Washington after seeing what him and McNabb did to the Eagles?  Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus claimed, in an interview, that Owens and McNabb patched up their rough relationship and are now best buds again, but I really don't think anyone should trust what Owens says.

Moral of the story?  Don't listen to players, do what you think is best for the team and do not feel pressured by your franchise's quarterback.  I will say it again, a McNabb/Owens reunion would bring nothing but misery and, possibly even a divided locker room.

Rant over.