In a surprise move last night (Sun., Apr. 4), the Philadelphia Eagles sent Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for a second-round pick (37th overall) in this month’s NFL draft and either a third- or fourth-round pick next year.
The trade is the boldest move to date for new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and could spell the end in Washington for Jason Campbell, the starter for 3 1/2 seasons. Shanahan already has signed free-agent Rex Grossman as a backup and has been actively scouting the top quarterbacks available in the draft. The Redskins have the No. 4 overall pick.
“I’m really excited about my future with the Washington Redskins,” McNabb said in a statement. “I’m eager to work with Coach Shanahan. He’s been a very successful coach with a couple of Super Bowl victories on his resume. While it’s been my goal to win a Super Bowl in Philadelphia, we came up short. I enjoyed my 11 years here and we shared a lot more good times than bad.”
Shanahan can only hope the 33-year-old McNabb works out as well as the last big-time Washington-Philadelphia quarterback deal. The Eagles in 1964 sent Sonny Jurgensen to the Redskins, where he played 11 seasons until he was 40 and became a Hall of Famer.
McNabb is entering the final year of a contract and it’s unknown whether he is negotiating an extension with the Redskins.
McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler, led the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in 11 seasons in Philadelphia. His failure to lead the team to its first NFL championship since 1960, plus the emergence of Kevin Kolb, made him expendable.
McNabb, the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 draft, leaves as the franchise leader in yards passing (32,873), completions (2,801), attempts (4,746), completion percentage (59.0) and touchdown passes (216). He also rushed for 3,249 yards and 28 TDs.
McNabb threw for 3,553 yards and 22 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 14 games last season, leading the Eagles to the playoffs. His passer rating of 92.9 was the third-highest in his career.
McNabb then issued a statement saying he wished to remain with the Eagles, but understood the situation and hoped for a quick resolution.
McNabb overcame numerous injuries and controversies throughout his career, including criticism from conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh and a feud with former teammate Terrell Owens.
The former Syracuse star sustained injuries that ended his regular season in November in 2002, 2005 and 2006. McNabb missed a total of 24 games because of injuries. The Eagles were 14-10 in those games.
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.