McNabb wanted to be in Washington

According to Jason Cole, the deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins was a deal Philly did not want to make, but was forced to by McNabb. 

After being told last month that the Eagles would not deal him to NFC East-rival Washington, McNabb essentially forced Philadelphia’s hand by refusing to talk with any of the other teams that had expressed interest in recent weeks. In the process, McNabb can now take out his simmering anger on the Eagles’ front office that essentially forced him out of a city where he had played his entire career.

McNabb, who is in the final year of his deal, made this happen by making it clear he wasn’t going anywhere else but Washington. When the Buffalo Bills expressed interest – and even were willing to give McNabb a contract extension – he passed on the offer. When the Oakland Raiders sniffed around and showed willingness to trade for the quarterback without an extension, McNabb indicated to the Eagles through his associates that he’d retire.

While the Redskins don’t feature a bunch of stars at wide receiver or running back and are rebuilding their offensive line, they have the No. 4 overall draft pick. They also have Shanahan.

Not a bad situation if you’re McNabb.

Comforting to know that above all, McNabb wanted to be a Redskin. 

How do I feel about this deal?  I am not entirely certain yet.  It is clear that Mike Shanahan will try to resurrect the magic he developed with an older, age 35, John Elway, here in Washington, with a younger, McNabb, 33.  Can he do it?  Let's wait and see.  I and no one out there is sold on this offensive line as currently developed.  Without SUBSTANTIAL changes, McNabb will relearn the art of running to save one's life. 

But, Washington has the 4th pick.  Washington will be trading Jason Campbell.  Maybe even Albert Haynesworth.  They have opportunities to improve the OLine.  Thign is though, it goes beyond starters.  Washington needs quality depth as well, as injuries proved last season.  It would also be a littl emore comforting to know that McNabb was going to be in Washington past a one year rental time period.  All a one year rental does for Washington is further set back the franchise. 

More later