Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles

Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles in exchange for the No. 37 overall pick in 2010 and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2011. The 2011 pick can jump to a third-rounder based on performance. As of the trade, not extension seems imminent. The Washington Redskins also have problems on the offensive line and offensive weapons for McNabb, so it appears that this could be his only season in Washington.

Adam Caplan of Scout reports that Albert Haynesworth was offered to Philadelphia Eagles in the Donovan McNabb trade, but the Eagles declined. PFT also heard rumors that LaRon Landry was a possibility. The fact the Redskins were happy to let Haynesworth go so quickly hints at possible rocky times ahead. Haynesworth may stay on the trade block over draft weekend.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Unsigned restricted free agent Jason Campbell’s future in Washington is in limbo after the team acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. It’s entirely possible that the Skins will (or already did) rescind his first- and third-round tender. Otherwise, Campbell will be available for trade. He could appeal to clubs like Buffalo, Carolina, and Oakland. We’d tentatively expect Campbell to end up somewhere he’d be given a fighting chance to start.

Kevin Kolb becomes the Eagles’ unquestioned starting quarterback following the trade of Donovan McNabb to Washington. Michael Vick becomes No. 2, and the Eagles will likely invest a mid- to late-round selection at the position. They’re rumored to have interest in Fordham QB John Skelton.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress reiterated Sunday that he’s staying in touch with Brett Favre, but doesn’t know if Favre plans to play in 2010. “I still don’t,” Childress said. “I don’t know if he’s even thought about it or contemplated it. I (talked) with him briefly last week and I’m sure we’ll narrow it down as we get a little bit further.”

2010 NFL Draft: Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford becomes far more likely to land in St. Louis after the Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. The Redskins were widely believed to be interested in Bradford, but lack the ammunition to move up after surrendering the No. 37 pick to Philadelphia. Russell Okung becomes the odds-on favorite to be drafted No. 4 overall, while Jimmy Clausen loses his lone remaining possible suitor in the top five. Mock drafts that already had Okung headed to D.C. shouldn’t be affected.

Sam Bradford

Citing “multiple league and media sources,” Profootballtalk.com reports that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the St. Louis Rams. JaMarcus Russell is the only No. 1 pick to not sign before the draft in the last four years. By refusing to sign, Bradford would gain leverage in contract talks.

The move could also spur St. Louis to shop the pick, fearing Bradford might hold out like Russell, or even draft another player. Signing early and reporting on time would give Bradford his best chance to start on day one. Being drafted No. 1 would also give him his best shot at the biggest contract.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: The Vikings hosted CB Tye Hill for a free agent visit on Monday. Hill is reportedly deciding between Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee, the latter of whom he met with last week. Both teams are in need of corner help, but Hill’s track record says he would do more to exacerbate the problem than cure it.

Minnesota: Vikings signed DL Michael Montgomery to a one-year contract. A misfit in Green Bay’s 3-4 last year, Montgomery returns to the friendly confines of a 4-3 alignment in Minnesota. He says he hopes to play left end for the Vikes, but at 6’5/285 is more likely to earn playing time on the interior. If Montgomery does see action outside, he’ll back up LE Ray Edwards.

San Diego: Unsigned restricted free agent Darren Sproles is participating in the San Diego Chargers‘ voluntary offseason program. He signed an injury waiver to protect himself. Sproles’ participation could mean that the sides are in long-term contract talks, or at least that Sproles isn’t upset with playing the 2010 season on another one-year tender.

Chicago: Greg Olsen reported to the Bears’ voluntary offseason program on time Monday. Olsen has been concerned that his role would diminish in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s tight end-unfriendly scheme, so if the Bears wanted to keep Olsen this year, it’s a good sign that he’s participating already. Still, we’d be surprised if the Bears didn’t field trade offers for Olsen on draft weekend after signing Brandon Manumaleuna to a $15 million deal.

2010 NFL Draft: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton ran in the 4.93-4.95 range in the forty-yard dash at the Wildcats’ Monday Pro Day. Wootton’s ten-yard splits of 1.66 and 1.71 seconds were more impressive. He also had a 32″ vertical and 9-foot long jump. At 6’6/272, Wootton’s best fit is probably at end in an up-tempo 3-4 defense like the Jets’ or Cowboys’.

Sage Rosenfels

The Raiders and Vikings are “discussing the availability” of Sage Rosenfels, according to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post. A third-stringer in Minnesota, Rosenfels would be a significant upgrade in Oakland Raiders over JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. According to Lombardi, a former Raiders personnel man with close ties to Al Davis, the Vikings will only trade Rosenfels if they are certain Brett Favre is coming back. Rosenfels could be a fallback plan if Oakland misses out on Donovan McNabb.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Green Bay: The Minnesota Vikings will host free agent DL Michael Montgomery on Monday. Montgomery, 26, can play three positions along the defensive line, but has just five career sacks in five seasons. He’d likely battle Letroy Guion, Jayme Mitchell, and Fred Evans for snaps off the bench if he made the team.

Pittsburg: Ben Roethlisberger will not report to the Steelers’ offseason program on time. The Pittsburg Steelers’ voluntary workouts begin on Monday. Roethlisberger, facing his second sexual assault case in as many years, made the decision in an effort to avoid being a distraction in Pittsburgh. Dennis Dixon will act as the team’s stand-in starting quarterback, with Charlie Batch behind him.

Baltimore: Restricted free agent LT Jared Gaither confirmed that he will report to the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason program on Monday. Better late than never. Gaither also wants a long-term deal. “It would be my dream to stay with the Ravens…winning multiple championships,” he said. “I’d be more than happy to remain here.” Gaither says he didn’t show up last week because he was rehabbing an ankle injury that didn’t require surgery.

St. Louis: Rams RT Jason Smith (concussion) is doing well and participating fully in the offseason program, according to coach Steve Spagnuolo. The No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft missed the final six weeks of last season after battling concussion-related symptoms. Assuming LT Alex Barron keeps his job, Smith will be the Rams’ starting right tackle in 2010.

2010 NFL Draft: Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post writes that he “keep(s) hearing” Florida CB Joe Haden will not be a top-ten pick. Lombardi calls Haden “a speed-deficit corner,” despite his 4.4 forty at the Gators’ March 17 Pro Day. Should Haden get past the Jaguars at No. 10, the 49ers (No. 13), Seahawks (14), Giants (15), and Titans (16) will all be serious candidates to take him. He isn’t going to fall any further than that.

2010 NFL Draft: Murray State DE Austen Lane ran 4.89 and 4.98 in the forty-yard dash at the Racers’ Pro Day. He also had a 4.44 short shuttle and performed 20 reps of 225 pounds. A dominant small school pass rusher who goes 6’6/274, Lane will likely convert to defensive tackle if he’s drafted by a 4-3 team, or five-technique end if he lands in a 3-4. He’s a late second- to third-round prospect.

Alex Smith

49ers president Jed York gave Alex Smith a strong vote of confidence as the team’s starting quarterback on Monday. “Alex is our guy,” York said. “He’s our quarterback. We believe in Alex. Coach Singletary believes in Alex. I think it’s great this is the first time he’s had continuity at the offensive coordinator. When you have some weapons around him with Crab (Michael Crabtree) with Vernon (Davis) with Frank (Gore), I think Alex is poised to have a good season for us.”

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The player rep for restricted free agent Leon Washington says his client is skipping the New York Jets’ offseason conditioning program in part because other teams are interested in acquiring Washington.

We’ve heard no such reports. Agent Alvin Keels insists Washington’s absence has “nothing to do with him being unhappy.” “If a team is going to give up a second-round pick, it would probably get done closer to the April 15th deadline,” Keels added. “He will be four weeks further along in his rehab. It only makes sense from a business standpoint.” Washington (broken leg) expects to be medically cleared to resume running in 10-14 days.

Minnesota: Owner Zygi Wilf said Monday that he’ll reach out to Brett Favre “in due time” to express the Minnesota Vikings’ interest in having him back for 2010. “We just want to let things sit and we’ll work on that,” added Wilf, who’s kept tabs on Favre via coach Brad Childress’ updates. The Vikings are making a concerted effort to not pressure Favre, but they’re counting on him to play.

Seattle: Ex-Seahawks coach Jim Mora has stayed in touch with OG Rob Sims, and confirmed Monday that Sims has been banned from the team’s offseason program. “Rob Sims is out of there, they’ve already told him,” Mora said. “They aren’t letting Rob Sims work out at the facility, so he’s gone.” Sims is likely available for a late-round pick. He was Seattle’s fourth-round selection in 2006.

Chicago: The agent for Chicago Bears C Olin Kreutz says his client is “way ahead of schedule” in his recovery from surgery on his Achilles’ tendon. The procedure removed a bone spur from Kreutz’s heel. Kreutz, who hasn’t missed a start since 2002, played through the injury for the past two seasons. In theory, the 33-year-old will improve after having the operation.

Oakland: Raiders re-signed DT William Joseph. Joseph, turning 31 before the season, has been on and off Oakland’s roster throughout the last three years. The former first-round pick hasn’t registered a single sack since 2006 and will be in a fight to make the roster.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: Vikings coach Brad Childress reiterated that he’d be OK with Albert Young as the No. 2 back, but added that he’s always looking to see what’s out there. It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for Young, who went undrafted out of Iowa last year. Although the Minnesota Vikings lost out on LaDainian Tomlinson and don’t want Brian Westbrook, Young will almost certainly face competition for the gig. The Vikings could end up turning to the draft for Adrian Peterson’s backup.

Minnesota: Vikings coach Brad Childress said he may pay Brett Favre another visit soon, “but not in the near future.” The Vikings are putting no pressu re whatsoever on Favre as he enjoys his offseason. Childress has been texting with Favre and according to NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora, there is a sense of optimism within the organization that Favre will return for the 2010 season.

2010 NFL Draft: Browns president Mike Holmgren admitted that he isn’t high on Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. “You know how you have a type of player that you like? It’s not scientific. People like him a lot. He’ll go high,” Holmgren said. “But it would be hard for me [to take him].” Holmgren reiterated that he will take a quarterback in the draft, but it probably won’t be until late.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Bears have set up a visit for free agent Chester Taylor on Friday. The Vikings are likely hoping that Taylor signs quickly so that they can get into the bidding for free agents. As a “final eight team,” Minnesota is basically sitting on its hands until a top UFA gets away. If he signs with the Minnesota Vikings, it’s believed Taylor could push for Matt Forte’s starting job.

Chicago: Lance Zierlein of KGOW in Houston reports that the Bears are intent on not letting free agent Julius Peppers get away. Zierlein earlier reported that the Redskins were nearing a deal for Peppers. He now writes on Twitter that, “This feels like a gunfight,” and points out that Chicago Bears DL coach “(Rod) Marinelli might end up being (a) big draw for Peppers.” Meantime, Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bears “are the front-runner” for Peppers. He’s due to visit Friday.

New York: Jets acquired CB Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in 2011. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pick can upgrade to a second-rounder depending on Cromartie’s playing time and the New York Jets’ performance. No one is disputing Cromartie’s freakish natural talent, but Chargers GM A.J. Smith did well to pick up a valuable pick. Between Cromartie’s myriad off-field issues and nonchalant on-field attitude, the Jets are taking quite a gamble. Of course, if Cromartie ever gets his head on straight, Rex Ryan’s secondary will rise to a new level of dominance.

Carolina: Panthers released QB Jake Delhomme. Delhomme has had an interesting and admirable career, beginning as an undrafted free agent in 1999 before taking over as Carolina’s offensive leader in 2003. Though he sports a 50-31 career record and a pair of impressive playoff runs, Delhomme has been a wreck since his six-turnover game against the Cardinals two years ago. Matt Moore becomes the favorite to start for the Panthers while Delhomme could head back home to back up Drew Brees.

Indianapolis: ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Colts are on the verge of re-signing free agent MLB Gary Brackett. It remains to be seen how much money Brackett will get, but the deal figures to average around $6 million annually with $12-16M guaranteed. The Giants and perhaps the Eagles were thought to be interested in Brackett had he made it to the market, which opens at midnight eastern time Friday morning

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell has clarified his earlier report, now stressing that the St. Louis Rams have not discussed Donovan McNabb with the Eagles. The curious phrasing of “intense internal conversations with the Philadelphia Eagles” was apparently the result of an error by Burwell’s copy desk. He stands by his story that the Rams have had talked internally about pursuing McNabb, but the two teams have yet to engage in trade scenarios. St. Louis remains an unlikely landing spot for McNabb.

Minnesota: Adrian Peterson is pushing for Brett Favre to come back for two more years, rather than just one. “I think we could win back-to-back Super Bowls,” said Peterson. “I’d take one. But the talent we have on both sides of the football with Favre … I feel like we can go as high as we want.” Peterson has a point. The Minnesota Vikings’ Super Bowl-caliber talent is the best thing they have going for them in the attempt to keep Favre from retirement.

Dallas: Beat writer Todd Archer doesn’t believe there’s a legit concern that another team will sign restricted free agent Miles Austin to a “poison pill” offer sheet. Archer points out that the league has discouraged poison pill offers since the Seahawks pulled the trick on Nate Burleson to repay the Vikings for Steve Hutchinson. Without a cap, the Dallas Cowboys can pretty match any deal unless a team inserts language that guarantees the contract with “X amount of games in the state of Texas.” We doubt another team will go that route.

2010 NFL Draft: According to FoxSports.com’s John Czarnecki, Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo would select Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy if the draft was today. Spags apparently feels strongly enough about McCoy that the rest of the front office would go along the pick. Fans of Sam Bradford in the organization will have to wait for his pro day in late March to build momentum. If Bradford is able to allay doubts about his shoulder, we still believe the Rams will end up going quarterback at No. 1

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns have released RB Jamal Lewis. Lewis has hinted at retirement since suffering a severe concussion during Week 12 of the regular season, and the Cleveland Browns were never going to pay his impending $1.5 million roster bonus or $2.4 million salary. Lewis, 31 in August, was a better signing for Cleveland in 2007 than expected, but fell off a cliff in 2008. He’s averaged just 3.64 yards per carry on his last 412 attempts. The Browns will move forward with Jerome Harrison as their starting tailback.

Minnesota: The agent for Minnesota Vikings NT Pat Williams said Wednesday that his client will finish out his contract with the team. “Trust me, I know what Pat Williams is doing,” said agent Angelo Wright. “Pat Williams is playing.” Williams, 37, is scheduled to receive over $5 million in 2010. He’s well worth that sum as Minnesota’s anchor up the middle.

Baltimore: The Ravens have signed WR Donte’ Stallworth to a one-year, $900,000 contract. Another $300K is available via playing time incentives. We’re extremely skeptical of the impact Stallworth can have after a year out of football and a string of unimpressive seasons before that, but the Baltimore Ravens don’t have much to lose. Even if Derrick Mason returns, this won’t be the last move Baltimore makes at wide receiver. The Ravens remain a serious candidate to draft Arrelious Benn or Demaryius Thomas with the No. 25 overall pick.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Mike Mayock reports that Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas broke his foot on Monday while training for next week’s Scouting Combine and is out 4-6 weeks. Thomas’ agent claims the break was “clean,” and his client will be ready for OTAs. The injury is fluky, as Thomas missed just one game in his college career (due to a concussion as a sophomore). A likely top-32 pick, Thomas’ stock will take a hit because he may not run for scouts at all before the draft. Like for all big wideouts, there are questions about his long speed.

Pierre is a free agent. Warner, who turns 39 in June, finished the 2009 season with a 66.1 completion rate, 26:14 TD-to-INT ratio, and 3,753 passing yards. He indicated to ESPN’s Rick Reilly last week that playing football had lost its fun. Look for the Cardinals to sign a veteran backup to push Leinart in the preseason.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: According to ESPN’s John Clayton, the Minnesota Vikings will “make a play” for Donovan McNabb if Brett Favre retires. The connection is obvious because Vikings head coach Brad Childress is McNabb’s former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Clayton suggests that the Vikings could offer up a second-round pick, but the Eagles may hold out a first-rounder. McNabb, 33, is entering the final year of his contract, but his presence would ensure that Minnesota remained Super Bowl contenders.

Miami: Joey Porter told a radio station in his hometown of Bakersfield, California that he hopes he doesn’t have to return to Miami. We’re fairly certain Porter will get his wish, especially with a $1M signing bonus due on top of his $3.6M base salary. The trash talker was unproductive this season, was essentially suspended for a game with pay and clashed with the coaches. His agent is set for a meeting with the  Miami Dolphins this week.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas believes the Rams are “seriously considering” trading for Michael Vick. The Rams wouldn’t have to give up much to get Vick and adding him would allow them to focus on filling their many other gaping holes. Vick knows Rams GM Billy Devaney from their time together in Atlanta Falcons and would bring instant excitment/controversy to a dormant Rams franchise. His addition would likely also lock in Ndamukong Suh as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

New England: Wes Welker (torn ACL, MCL) is scheduled to have his knee reconstructed on Tuesday, February 2. The swelling in Welker’s knee has finally gone down enough for doctors to perform the procedure, but the four-week wait figures to cost him another month of next season. Doctors reportedly have not ruled Welker out for Week 1 of 2010, but the odds are stacked heavily against him being ready by then.

2010 NFL Draft: Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says Idaho OG Mike Iupati is “obviously the best player” at the Senior Bowl. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, and it’s holding true,” said Linehan, who is coaching Iupati’s North squad. “You really notice him. He can do the double teams. He’s powerful. You see him pull.” The Detroit Lions have a gaping hole at left guard, though they’d likely need an additional first-round pick to get Iupati. He’ll be gone by Detroit’s second-round pick (No. 34).

Brett Favre

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reports that “every player” in the Minnesota Vikings locker room believes that Brett Favre will retire this offseason. At this point, Favre hasn’t indicated if he will return next season.  It is worth noting that Favre told ESPN last week that his mind is already made up about the future.

Favre is still playing at an elite level and probably will not want to retire when his last throw was intercepted. He threw for 310 yards, a touchdown and two picks on 28-of-46 passing in Sunday’s NFC title game loss.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans:  Saints QB and leader Drew Brees completed 17-of-31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns as the New Orleans Saints defeated Minnesota 31-28 on Garrett Hartley’s overtime field goal in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game.

The three TDs look nice from a fantasy perspective, but Brees spent most of the game backpedaling as the Vikings generated consistent penetration up the middle and off the edges.

The Saints won the coin flip in overtime, and got help from a pair of penalties in the Vikings’ secondary before Hartley knocked home the game-winner from 40 yards away. Brees has a 6:0 TD-to-INT ratio in the playoffs and the Saints face the Colts in two weeks.

Indianapolis:  Pierre Garcon caught 11 balls for 151 yards and a touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts advanced to Super Bowl XLIV in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game win.

Torching the Jets’ combination of Lito Sheppard, Dwight Lowery, and Drew Coleman, Garcon was Peyton Manning’s go-to guy with “No. 1″ receiver Reggie Wayne covered by Darrelle Revis.

Garcon made highlight-reel caliber catches along the sidelines and showed off his underrated after-catch skills. He’s up to 16 receptions and 185 yards through two playoff wins.

Minnesota:  Adrian Peterson ran for 122 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries and caught two passes for 14 yards in the Vikings’ season-ending NFC title game loss at the Superdome.

It was all or nothing for “All Day,” who was credited with two fumbles but actually had three if you include a botched exchange with Brett Favre. A.P. was a game-breaker when he held onto the football and the Vikings’ offensive line got push, hitting numerous big runs. Despite his take-no-prisoners running style, Peterson hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year.

Oakland:  Jamarcus Russell will be back with the Raiders in 2010, sources tell ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli.

This just confirms that Raiders owner Al Davis isn’t going to give up on Russell yet. Pasquarelli says Oakland brass still believes JaMarcus can be a productive player in the league, particularly with the right coaching.

We’re skeptical about that because of Russell’s work habits, decision making, and poor accuracy. Look for the Raiders to sign or trade for a veteran and Russell to return as a backup next season.