Oakland Raiders Interested In McNabb, Giving Up On Russell

[Polaroid]

After the Philadelphia Eagles discreetly started to shop Donovan McNabb around the NFL last week, it seems that they have found someone willing to pay their price. McNabb is due to earn $11.2 million in 2010 plus a further $6.2 million roster bonus in May before he becomes a free agent in 2011. When you factor in that the Eagles are also wanting a top 42 draft pick for 2010 for McNabb's services it's enough to scare off most NFL owners. But it doesn't seem to be scaring off Al Davis but then again he isn't most NFL owners and he holds a 2nd round pick at #39.

Whether or not McNabb ultimately moves to Oakland, one thing seems clear and that is that the Raiders have finally decided to give up on the 1st overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. JaMarcus Russell, who left LSU a year early to sign a six-year contract $68 million contract ($31.5 million guaranteed) with Oakland, had his first professional start in the final game of the 2007 season where he threw an interception with his first pass and his career pretty much went downhill from there. After a mediocre 2008 his 2009 season was disastrous as Russell had the unenviable triple crown of the lowest QB rating, the lowest completion percentage and the least passing yards among all qualifying NFL quarterbacks.

After turning up to the 2010 Raiders camp 30 pounds heavier than last season, it was rumored that this would see Russell switch to the defensive line. A move for McNabb can only hasten that move as the Raiders try and find Russell a position to shine in as well as providing him a mentor for the season which might just see him get his mojo back.

 

[madmaxx]

If McNabb wasn't a borderline hall of famer he would just retire instead of going into that nightmare of an organization..problem is he'd lose HOF votes if he quit after a trade. He's a terrible fit for that team (well anyone is) based on his passive attitude ("Never even knew that was in the rule book" regarding NFL teams being able to tie). Oakland needs a Marino type who constantly yells at his players...McNabb is not that. Feel bad for the guy.

 

[Mudcat]

Well of course the Raiders would make a play for McNabb. They are so close to the Super Bowl and an experienced QB is the one piece they are missing.

 

[kato]

al davis is cursed. this will end badly.

 

[RogueScholar]

Oakland needs a Marino type who constantly yells at his players...McNabb is not that. Feel bad for the guy.

Couldn't agree with you more on this one. As long as Al Davis is picking the coach we'll always have guys that are puppets for the man upstairs, and teams just don't rally around those types of personalities. Bruce Gradkowski is the closest we've got to being a leader in the huddle, and I'd let him take those starts until we can find a QB with some fire in his belly.