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.

DeMeco Ryans

Texans re-signed MLB DeMeco Ryans to a six-year, $48 million contract. The deal was first reported by beat writer John McClain, though ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the particulars. The contract contains a whopping $21.75M guaranteed and $26.3M in the first three years, including a $7.5M signing bonus and $7M base salary in 2010.

A two-time Pro Bowler and captain of the Texans’ improving defense, Ryans rivals Jon Beason as the second-best young inside linebacker in the game behind Patrick Willis. The 25-year-old did well to match Karlos Dansby’s guaranteed money with the Dolphins. Ryans, Brian Cushing, and unsung SLB Zac Diles will form one of the top 4-3 linebacker units for years to come.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: According to NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora, Donovan McNabb’s $6.5 million roster bonus, due by May 5, will not factor into the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision making. A potential McNabb trade is most likely go down around draft weekend in late April, so the roster bonus wouldn’t fall on Philly’s shoulders. Should McNabb remain on the roster by early May, there is no chance the Eagles will cut him to avoid paying the bonus. McNabb’s base salary for 2010 is just $5 million.

New England: The Providence Journal confirms that coach Bill Belichick “became concerned” about Laurence Maroney’s fumbles in crucial situations late last season.

Though Belichick was typically taciturn on the issue, Maroney was sent to the bench in Week 16, deactivated in Week 17, and saw just one carry in the Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor all in the final year of their contracts, the Pats could select a running back of the future with one of their three second-round picks.

Oakland: Raiders re-signed restricted free agent S Hiram Eugene to a one-year, $1.759 million contract.
The Oakland Raiders will overpay Eugene to back up at safety and contribute on special teams after he lost his starting job to Michael Huff last season.

Multiple Cowboys sources denied Tuesday that Marion Barber is on the trading block. The denials come on the heels of an NFL Network report that Barber is available via trade. Due a $4M roster bonus and $3.8M base salary, the increasingly injury-prone MBIII is making too much money to play a supporting role behind Felix Jones. With the Cowboys set to contend in 2010, though, owner Jerry Jones has suggested his backfield depth is a luxury he can’t afford to lose.

2010 NFL Draft: A league source tells WEEI.com in Boston that the Patriots “love” Penn State DL Jared Odrick. Odrick has drawn comparisons to Richard Seymour for his size and athleticism. Like Seymour, Odrick can also play defensive end in a 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3. He’s projected to go in the last half of the first round, so he could be available when the Pats pick at No. 22.

Donovan McNabb

Updating a previous item, the Associated Press reports the Philadelphia Eagles will only deal Donovan McNabb for a pick in the top 42 selections of the upcoming draft. In line with previously reported rumors, the Raiders and Bills, considered the early favorites to land McNabb, have the 39th and 41st picks respectively.

The 49ers’ second-round pick is only 49th, but they could conceivably add another player or pick to entice the Eagles. The Rams, Browns and Cardinals have denied interest, and the Vikings, Seahawks, Broncos and Jaguars are not believed to be in the mix to acquire McNabb.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The player rep for Leon Washington responded to coach Rex Ryan’s criticism Thursday, saying the restricted free agent is “a bit taken back about the reports of him taking a reduced role in 2010.”

“Especially since we are four months from the opening of camp,” the agent added. Washington is working at the Andrews Institute in Florida, which is known as one of the best rehab facilities in the country. The agent insists that Washington is not unhappy with his contract situation, emphasizing that his client hasn’t signed his tender because they still have three weeks to draw an offer sheet.

Green Bay: Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy admits to being slightly concerned that success came to quickly for 23-three-year old TE Jermichael Finley. “You always worry about young guys that have success that fast,” McCarthy said. “He’s at work, he’s got a big smile on his face, but like a lot of guys, you kind of worry about them once they leave the building. But it’s all part of growing up and handling success.” Finley is set to move into the starting lineup in 2010, so it’s obviously not a major issue for McCarthy.

Miami: The Atlanta police report from last Friday night shows that Ronnie Brown had a blood alcohol level of .158, nearly twice the legal limit, when he was arrested on a DUI charge. Brown failed a field sobriety test and nearly missed an oncoming vehicle as well, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He has no prior record of off-field issues, so Brown has a good chance to avoid an NFL suspension even if he doesn’t escape charges. He’ll play out the final year of his rookie contract after he signs the Miami Dolphins’ $3.969M tender offer.

2010 NFL Draft: Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he would “love the opportunity to develop” Florida QB Tim Tebow. “He’s a winner, and I’m excited to see what he does in the National Football League,” McCarthy said. The Packers remain high on Matt Flynn, so they’re unlikely to spend a second or third-round pick on a quarterback this year.

Mike Bell

The Saints have chosen not to match the one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet that RB Mike Bell signed with the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s believed that the Saints never seriously considered matching the offer once the Philadelphia Eagles guaranteed Bell $500,000 and a no-trade clause. Though Bell is a physical down-hill runner when healthy, his late-season fade following a sprained knee is slightly disconcerting. He’ll enter training camp as the favorite for short-yardage and goal-line duties

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: Chiefs re-signed restricted free agent ILB Derrick Johnson to a one-year, $2.621 million contract. Used as a mere nickel ‘backer by Todd Haley’s staff after starting his first four years, Johnson still managed 37 tackles, three interceptions, two pick sixes, and five pass breakups last season. The Kansas City Chiefs’ first-round tender for Johnson indicates that he’ll get a serious chance to start this year.

Detroit: Lions re-signed restricted free agent DE Jason Hunter to a one-year, $1.759 million contract. A free pickup last offseason after being waived by the Green Bay Packers, Hunter surprised as a rotational pass rusher and key special teamer for coach Jim Schwartz. He’s set to lose defensive snaps following the signing of Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Denver: Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Tuesday that he’s “not in a hurry” to touch base with restricted free agent Brandon Marshall. The two have communicated just once since Marshall cleaned out his locker after his Week 17 benching. Though McDaniels continues to insist that Marshall remains “a big part” of the team, it’s obvious that the coach is dreading the possibility of entering the season with his notably mercurial receiver grousing about the lack of a long-term deal. A draft-time trade remains the most likely scenario.

Washington: Free agent CB Phillip Buchanon revealed that he’s scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday. Buchanon was recently released by a Lions team with the worst collection of corners in the league. Should he sign on with the Redskins, he’d be limited to nickel-back duties and perhaps punt returns.

2010 NFL Draft: Rams GM Billy Devaney had a “casual” meeting with the player rep for Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford Tuesday morning. Devaney joked that reporters wouldn’t have seen the two talking in public view if the discussions involved anything substantial. The sides were simply touching base on Bradford’s March 29 workout, a followup visit to the Rams, and a potential private workout.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks acquired QB Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers in exchange for a swap of 2010 second-round picks and a third-round pick in 2011. The move will pay off for Seattle if Whitehurst becomes Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual successor, but the Bolts got quite a haul. They move up 20 spots in round two and get a premium 2011 pick for a player with zero pass attempts in four seasons, who couldn’t beat out Billy Volek. Whitehurst, 27, posted an underwhelming 49:46 TD-to-INT ratio and 59.7 completion rate as a four-year starter at Clemson in the early- to mid-2000s. He has ideal size (6’4/227), good tools and athleticism, and outplayed Jay Cutler at the 2006 Senior Bowl. Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have been watching a lot of old tape.

Arizona: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live Wednesday that the Arizona Cardinals consider their quarterback situation “an open competition.” It’ll be “let the best man win,” Schefter added. Based on experience in the offense, familiarity with receivers, and sheer accuracy, Matt Leinart should hold a sizable edge. Rumblings continue that the Cards aren’t sold on Leinart, however, and their previously aggressive pursuit of Charlie Whitehurst before signing Derek Anderson is only confirmation. If Anderson can regain his confidence, he’ll give Leinart a run for his money in camp.

Philadelphia: The Eagles have released OL Shawn Andrews. Andrews, a first-team All Pro in 2006 and a Pro Bowler as recently as 2007, has missed all but two games over the last two seasons due to multiple back operations and depression. He’s only 27 years old and was due a modest $2 million salary, but the Philadelphia Eagles clearly grew tired of Andrews’ mental and physical problems. He’ll get another chance elsewhere, assuming he wants one. It’s believed Andrews may no longer be interested in football.

2010 NFL Draft: Florida CB Joe Haden reportedly timed in the mid-4.4 range on both of his forty-yard dash runs at the Gators’ Pro Day. According to some stopwatches, Haden clocked as fast as the 4.3s despite a soggy, sloppy grass field in Gainesville. The draft’s top cornerback, Haden has helped his stock immensely after timing in the 4.57-4.60 range with poor running technique and a lower back sprain at the Scouting Combine. We no longer see him getting past San Francisco at No. 13 overall.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Philadelphia Eagles acquired DE Darryl Tapp from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DE/OLB Chris Clemons and a 2010 fourth-round draft pick. It’s a worthwhile gamble for Philly. Tapp didn’t fit into defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme last year, but he’s been more disruptive than Clemons over the past few seasons. Sean McDermott will be charged with getting the 25-year-old back to his 2007-08 production as a rotational pass.

Buffalo: Bills signed ILB Andra Davis to a two-year contract worth a maximum of $4.4 million. “Done deal I am a Buffalo Bill now,” Davis texted Tuesday afternoon. For the second straight year, the savvy veteran will be helping a defense switch from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4. Paul Posluszny’s job is safe, though the other inside linebacker spot should be Davis’ for the taking. Coming off a serious surgery to re-attach his quadriceps muscle to his kneecap, Kawika Mitchell may be the odd man out.

New York: Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum vows that the team will continue to “run the ball a lot” despite the release of Thomas Jones. Mark Sanchez won’t be unleashed just yet. “(Running the ball) is important to Rex (Ryan),” Tannenbaum said. “That’s our offensive philosophy.” With the aide of a mauling offensive line, the Jets finished 2009 ranked No. 1 in rush attempts and fifth in yards per carry.

Washington: The Redskins will host free agent Joey Porter on Thursday. Porter’s preference is to return home to the west coast, but he needs another team interested so the Cardinals aren’t bidding against themselves. The Washington Redskins are moving to a 3-4 defense, so Porter fits from a pure scheme standpoint.

Denver: According to FoxSports.com’s John Czarnecki, there is “no way that Pete Carroll is parting with the sixth overall pick for a disgruntled receiver who really can’t stretch the field.”

Czar was obviously referring to Brandon Marshall, though the latter part of his statement is debatable. If the Seahawks are truly willing to commit to the headcase long term, they’re smart to wait out the Broncos. Josh McDaniels is loath to hold onto a bad-tempered player expected to pout until he hits the jackpot on an extension.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns are reportedly involved in trade talks for quarterbacks with “more than one team.” “It appears the Browns have concluded they are more apt to upgrade the quarterback position through trade rather than free agency,” according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The paper doesn’t have details, but hints that Brady Quinn could be part of an outgoing deal. The Cleveland Browns have been linked to Kevin Kolb, Matt Hasselbeck, and Donovan McNabb since season’s end.

Carolina: The Panthers have assigned a first- and third-round tender to restricted free agent Matt Moore. He’ll make over $3 million in 2010. While the move seems obvious from the Panthers’ standpoint, it’s also an acknowledgement from Carolina Panthers that Moore at least might be the team’s quarterback of the future. Moore has certainly shown enough promise to be a league average starter someday, particularly when play-caller Jeff Davidson has let him get aggressive. Moore has very sound pocket presence, an adequate arm, and underrated athleticism. He’s sure to beat out Jake Delhomme in any training camp competition.

Chicago: The Chicago Sun Times disputes multiple reports that Greg Olsen is on the trading block. Initial reports, via NBC Chicago and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, linked Olsen to the Patriots and Cardinals. The fits are odd on paper, though, because neither of those teams uses tight ends often in the passing game, and Olsen isn’t a blocker.

Indianapolis: Peyton Manning underwent surgery to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in his neck Tuesday in Chicago. The Indianapolis Colts call the surgery minor, but anything neck-, much less Manning-related is a big story. The team issued a statement saying he’ll be ready for offseason workouts, though it’s still a situation to monitor.

Denver: The Broncos have assigned first-round restricted free agent tenders to Brandon Marshall and Kyle Orton. Orton won’t get much interest, but as ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out, Denver has essentially extended an “invitation” for teams (mostly at the back end of the draft) to sign Marshall to an offer sheet. Should the Broncos not match, they’d receive that team’s first-round pick as compensation. The club is clearly willing to move on without Marshall by opting against giving him the first- and third-round tender. The Ravens should have immediate interest, and we wouldn’t rule out the Cowboys, Patriots, or Bengals making a move.

Philadelphia: According to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post, the Philadelphia Eagles will not trade Michael Vick unless they get a second-round pick in return. Lombardi’s stance has softened since predicting early last month that the Eagles no longer planned to trade Vick. Now, he says Philly knows it could get a third-round compensatory pick in 2011 should Vick stay on the roster this year, and sign elsewhere next offseason. We still have a hard time believing any third-string QB is worth Vick’s $5.25 million scheduled pay.

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:

Green Bay: NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora reports the Packers are now planning to place the franchise tag on NT Ryan Pickett. The Green Bay Packers’ use of the tag would further highlight the increasing value of 3-4 nose tackles, giving the position a clean-sweep of franchise players this year. The sides are still working on an extension, but the Packers are prepared to pay the $7M for one year to retain their run-stuffer.

Philadelphia: Eagles coach Andy Reid indicated at Tuesday’s press conference that LeSean McCoy “will take the ball from here” following Brian Westbrook’s release. McCoy will be the Philadelphia Eagles feature back in 2010, with fullback Leonard Weaver chipping in.

San Diego: According to beat writer Kevin Acee, the San Diego Chargers have no intention of using the franchise tag on RB/KR Darren Sproles for a second straight season. The Bolts will talk to Sproles’ agent during the Combine this week. They remain interested in a long-term deal, but Sproles won’t be receiving a one-year offer at close to $7.3M. GM A.J. Smith maintains that Sproles is maxed out as a return ace and backup runner, so expect the free agent to test the market this time around.

Arizona: The Cardinals are not expected to seriously discuss a contract extension with Pro Bowl DE Darnell Dockett before the 2010 season starts. This is starting to mirror Anquan Boldin’s situation from the past couple of years. The Cardinals will want to figure out how much of their budget is left over after filling holes and signing their own players this offseason. We’re not expecting a Dockett extension until next offseason, if at all.

Oakland: Beat writer Rich Cimini believes the Jets could realistically be interested in a trade for Nnamdi Asomugha, who is reportedly being dangled by the Raiders. ESPN AFC East blogger Tim Graham also considers it a possibility. Asomugha made news at the Pro Bowl when he said he was interested in joining Darrelle Revis as a dynamic shutdown duo. As a final eight team, the Jets can’t sign free agents, but they’re free to improve their team through trades. Asomugha would have to be open to restructuring his deal to play for a contender.

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.