Why the McNabb deal doesn't make sense
The ESPN rumor that the Ravens could wind up with Donovan McNabb as their quarterback in 2008 just doesn't add up. Here's why -- it's just so out of character for the key people involved and doesn't fit with the circumstances in which the two teams find themselves, especially Philadelphia.
Jamison Hensley made the point in today's Sun that the Ravens are not in the habit in giving up high draft picks in trades. In fact, Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome has never given up anything higher than a third-round choice for a player (Steve McNair cost a fourth-round pick in the deal with Tennessee). And to get McNabb, the Ravens would have to give up their No. 8 pick overall and who knows what else.
Now it is true that the Ravens have been in the habit of renting veteran quarterbacks short-term rather than developing their own (the efforts with Kyle Boller being the notable exception). But think about the implications of a trade for McNabb. Newsome is as influential as any GM in the league within his own organization and the Ravens' well-regarded scouting department is his baby. Trading for McNabb torpedoes a lot of their work. This is a team that is in love with the draft, which is why the Ravens have never been big players in free agency. The whole thing goes against the grain for Baltimore.
OK, now look at this from the Philadelphia side. It has been mentioned that Baltimore's new coach, John Harbaugh, comes from the Eagles' organization, as if that has some weight. But Harbaugh was never involved with the Philadelphia offense. More to the point is who coaches Philadelphia. To say that Eagles coach Andy Reid and McNabb have been close is an understatement. Over the last month of the 2007 season, McNabb began to approach his old self after coming back from a knee injury in 2006. Meanwhile, the QB the Eagles drafted high last season, Kevin Kolb, didn't play even when McNabb missed two games.
In the last four games of the season, McNabb completed 65 percent of his passes for 995 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Almost as significant, he ran for more than 100 yards. Sure, that should make him attractive to the Ravens, but it also raised the price on him astronomically.
One more thing. Philadelphia -- much like the Ravens -- is a veteran team that thinks with a little tinkering and some luck, it can be back in the playoff hunt after an 8-8 year. If the Eagles trade McNabb and go with Kolb, who may not be playoff-caliber for two years if ever, what does that do to the Eagles' own window of opportunity with guys like Brian Westbrook and Brian Dawkins? Do you think Philadelphia is willing to sacrifice the next two seasons and also give up on a Pro Bowl quarterback who could have four or five years left?
Comments
McNabb for McNair and Boller. Make it happen Ozzie!
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Mark,
You're a funny guy.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Mark | February 5, 2008 11:33 AM
Forget about Donovan.. We need to get Ocho Cinco from Cinci... He wants a trade out of there, and not only that, he is good friends with Ray Ray.. I can see him having a standout year here in Bmore!!
Posted by: wOeSFAN | February 5, 2008 11:34 AM
Dear Mr. Ordine,
I am certainly with you on this one. This trade would make less sense for an aging Philadelphia team in a wide open NFC than us trading a Cy Young Calibur Ace for a center that we really didn't need and more young pitching prospects when our entire rotation will be in need of veteran leadership. I am sorry, I just had to get that out. I may be in the minority on that, but it will hurt me bad man.
McNabb may have recovered well from his injury, but he is aging and has alot of mileage already. The chances of him getting injured again are increasing. There will be plenty of quarterbacks in the draft for us to groom and for now it looks like it will be a three way battle for the top spot this season(Smith, Boller, McNair)
The fact of the matter is that we do an excellent job of drafting players and we should focus our finances on keeping them rather than pulling another go for the title now move by getting another aging quarterback with injury. Baltimore needs it's own quarterback, not the eagle's quarterback. More importantly, Baltimore needs mold this line so that it can protect it's quarterback, whoever it becomes. It doesn't matter who we bring in. If the pass protection does not improve, we will be singing the same tune next season.
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Doug,
If McNabb can stay healthy ... and that is certainly a big if ... he can another three to five seasons. He's 31. But he will cost a fortune amd the Ravens can make better use of the first-rounder and the other picks it would take to get him.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Doug | February 5, 2008 2:33 PM
Bill,
You're spot on with your remarks about Donovan. We don't need him here. While we're possibly QB challenged, I would be more interested in what Cam's thoughts are in Kyle and Troy. If he doesn't see hope there, then take the pick, trade up to get Matt Ryan. We don't need another vet retread!
Posted by: Jeff | February 5, 2008 3:09 PM
I concur with everything you said. So what do the Ravens do now? They can not rely on McNair and Boller is not the answer. So do they make an effort for Anderson (Browns) and try to develop Smith? Bottom line without a good QB this team will not be sucessful.
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Martin
This is a tough spot for the Ravens. A lot has to do with McNair's rehab but I would be astonished if he can get back to early 2006 form. The free agent market is lean. I don't see them paying a huge amount for Anderon, which would be admitting a giant mistake. I see a training camp competition among Boller, Smith and possibly some veteran free agent or a guy they get in a less expensive trade.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Martin | February 5, 2008 3:11 PM
I don't think Ocho Cinco will solve our offensive problems, after all he has to be thrown to by someone legit,.. Boller, McNair,.. we're doomed for a long time no matter what, unless we get a good QB. We already have good recievers, a pro-bowl TE, and a RB that can catch out of the backfield as good as the rest.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 5, 2008 3:34 PM
the mcnabb deal may notmake sense for Philly,but as a long-time eagle fan and daily listener to philly sports radio,there are many who wud like donovan gone. mcnabb is not the same company man he was in years past-showing some independence from the organization. i really believe he wants out of philly (drafting kolb with their first pick sure didn't help re loyalty!!). a first round suspect for a proven QB.?? Make the deal.
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Paul,
I am familiar with the Philly sports scene ... I've done my shifts on WIP back in the day ... The same fans who want McNabb out are the same geniuses who wanted the Birds to draft Ricky Williams instead of McNabb. First of all, I think the Eagles will want much more than that first round pick, there's even been talk ... from some in Philly, by the way ... that the Eagles want the No. 8 overall and Ed Redd. That ain't happenin'. Or at least, Ravens fans should hope it doesn't.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: paul | February 5, 2008 4:04 PM
" In fact, Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome has never given up anything higher than a third-round choice for a player"
FUNNY I'M PRETTY SURE WE GAVE UP A #1 PICK TO MOVE UP GET KYLE BOLLER
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That was trade of draft picks. Not nearly the same thing as trade for a veteran.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: shart | February 5, 2008 4:14 PM
the last commetn about Ocho cinco is right on. who wants him when we have some good receivers like Clayton and others. Heap is starting to get on my nerves. what good is he if he can't stay healthy. but the bottom lie is who cares what receivers you have whne you can't get the ball to them. get matt ryan, bite the bullet for another year and get him in there in 2009.
Posted by: gary | February 5, 2008 5:07 PM
I am a Philly fan not so much a Baltimore fan, but I am a fan of Troy Smith. Kid's got talent. Why is everyone so down on him? because he was drafted late? so what? I say do what you guys can this year while letting Smith play whenever possible, maybe not starting but really get him in the rotation and get him throwing balls, and then by the time 09 rolls around you have an A class QB again.
Posted by: Josh | February 5, 2008 5:21 PM
The only reason I'd see the Ravens picking up McNabb is if they decided to go with Troy Smith as their QB and using McNabb to develop Smith because of their similar styles of QBing (ie. - out of the pocket playmakers), and if they get a title out of picking him up, then great.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 5, 2008 6:39 PM
McNabb stinks. If you guy are looking to win now get someone else. He chokes at the most critical times as well.
Posted by: Heywood J | February 5, 2008 8:39 PM
Am I the only one who actually thinks of giving Smith a chance? I mean, he showed enough promise in those last few games to at least let him COMPETE for the job. If he bombs, then so be it, but to just discard him after drafting him and showing some decent potential in actual games is downright foolish if you ask me.
OK, yea, Smith didn't light the world on fire and wasn't as good as Peyton or Carson Palmer, but how many quarterbacks do you see that ARE great in their first season?
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Matthew,
I've said it before. I think we will have a pretty wide open competition in training camp at quarterback with Smith in the mix.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Matthew | February 5, 2008 10:11 PM
Take him please. Eagels Fans suffered enough whit McNabb so please do us a favor and take him. I'd give him to you for nothing.
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Or as Buddy Ryan once said of a running back he wanted out of town ... for a six-pack and it doesn't even have to be cold.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Dan | February 5, 2008 11:47 PM
first off if the ravens are smart theyd start already to build off troy smith ,,anderson of the browns was a num 6 pick why give clev a num 1 pick and 3rd doesnt make sence and anderson started right away for cleveland ,,it just makes sence that troy smith starts next year and i agree what would it take to get ocho cinco because troy smith is a great playaction qb on the run chad johnson mason clayton williams heap would all have great years darling we may be able to trade for a pick and then draft the best wr on the board for the ravens in the draft because mason cant go forever makes total sence to me.As far as defense goes we need to get r done with suggs and we need to give ray lewis a extension cut ivy cory ross guys we dont need and bulk this team up in size and speed antwan barnes and burgess were great pickups last year i would make a offer with ogden and maybe flynn on the way out retireing for a vet offenseive lineman and ashante samuel in new englans which would take cory ivys spot. Before i forget whats mcnairs contract like i would like to dump him and pursure kurt warner i think warner could def be the answer for now at qb and dont forget yamon figures may be better next year as a 4th option reciver he looks alot like a wes welker.
Posted by: ted mcneil | February 6, 2008 2:29 AM
What's the story on the Delaware QB?
From what I hear he's a real sleeper. Draft a cornerback or DE then go after a QB.
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Jon,
Joe Flacco, the kid from Delaware, is on everyone's radar screen. He's beginning to look like a second-rounder ... could last until the third. I still think a CB is going to be the highest rated player on the board when the Ravens pick.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: jon dey | February 6, 2008 8:23 AM
Bill,
I agree with every thing you say but there is one point that is worth considering - Donovan and his family are sick of the Philly fans. Unless you live in Philadelphia, you cannot appreciate the venom that is spewed on the local radio talk shows. Bottom line - Donovan believes he can play another 4 years - but why subject himself to a city that not only doesn't appreciate him but also has the gall to attack him 24-7? The phickle philly phanatical so called phans do not deserve him.
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Joe,
Yep, I know the routine up there ... as I mentioned earlier, I did a few shifts on WIP back in the day. The thing is is that Donovan doesn't get to say where he plays. And he's not the kind of guy to quit even though he or his family is unhappy with the carping. He spends his offseasons in Arizona where he doesn't have to listen to the stupidity. I agree that if Donovan had a choice, he's probably play with the Bears. But it's not that simple.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Joe | February 6, 2008 8:42 AM
I might be the only guy left in town that thinks boller can win us some games.. He's certainly not our long term answer, but you look at some of the better games he put together last season (notable new england), and that kid has good stuff. I'm hoping the competition for the top spot, and a little tough love from cameron who seems like hes not afraid to sit someone if they're not playing well (instead of billick babying him) will bring him the rest of the way.
To focus on a quarterback situation, in addition to Suggs, CB problems, the Ogden soap opera, I think thats just one thing too many.
I'm anxious, if not cautiously optimistic, to see how things play out.
Posted by: Pete | February 6, 2008 9:26 AM
Has there been any thought about going after Culpepper? He wouldn't cost much and in the right system maybe could get his career back on track. We all know what happens when people get out of Oakland (see Randy Moss)!
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Brian,
Your Randy Moss comparison gave me a chuckle ... you could also make the point that in both cases the players started in Minnesota. The problem with Culpepper is that Cam Cameron didn't keep him in Miami. He is scheduled to be a free agent, though. But, you know, if you can get a guy like that cheap, that's exactly the type of veteran QB I can see the Ravens throwing into the mix of an open competition with the possibility that the guy could win the job or get cut before the season.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Brian | February 6, 2008 10:42 AM
I'd like to see this senario. Troy as the starter McNair as backup. McNair will come back just to prove he still has it. I don't think he'll retire.
Posted by: derek | February 6, 2008 10:59 AM
Aren't there any veteran starters that are going to be in the FA market? I think the answer is you cut McNair and Boller, you sign a veteran FA as your starter, and you draft the next Trent Edwards in the 2nd or 3rd round.
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Okay, there's Derek Anderson. You think Cleveland is letting him get away. After that, there's Rex Grossman, Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown. One interesting name is Cleo Lemon, who won the one game for Cameron last year.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Slater | February 6, 2008 11:28 AM
Bill,
Todd Collins is available. With another offensive coordinator in town, I do not see him staying with the Skins, and if the Rams do not pick him up, he could be had. Of course, he is not the future at 36, unless you are making a serious run at next season.
Another one that might be available is Jason Campbell. He has 2 years left on a 5 year deal. Who knows what is going on in Danny's mind.
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I don't think Collins a free agent ... he may be waived, though. If Campbell gets released or even traded, I'd be shocked.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 6, 2008 12:30 PM
Todd is a free agent. Signed a 2 year contract March 2006. Did not play any regular season games in 2007. You know what he did this past season.
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I'll take your word for it. He just didn't show up on any of the FA lists that I saw.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | February 6, 2008 4:59 PM
Why in the world would any want to keep picking up 34, 35, 36 year old QB's?? Cut Boller, five years and failed, Smith is just to small to see over his own linemen ( we don't need a running QB ) that just doesn't work in the NFL. Keep McNair for one more year, draft a QB in the 1st round and maybe another in the later rounds, but they mean nothing without WR's and TE's who aren't hurt all the time. Cut all backup DB's and draft two in 2/4 rounds.
Posted by: Chuckx999 | February 7, 2008 8:31 AM