It appears that the Oakland Raiders are the front runner for the services of Donovan McNabb and while most people think it is a death sentence similar to when a NBA player is traded to the Clippers, I disagree. I believe that the Raiders are an attractive option for McNabb and here are the reasons why:
1- The Raiders aren’t that bad
The Lions are bad and the Rams are really bad, but the Raiders if you really look at their team as a whole aren’t as bad as their perception in the media.
The problem with the Raiders is they have a 500 pound quarterback dragging them down. For the most part last year the Raiders were competitive. Only a few games did they truly get blown out. Even with JaMarcus as their quarterback they figured out a way to win five games.
The defense is solid. They have a good running game. Their offensive line is not spectacular but not awful.
They are weak at receiver, but McNabb has thrived without a #1 receiver from many years. I think a solid quarterback will solve the majority of the problems they have.
2- The Eagles don’t want him.
I don’t think it is anything personal and I don’t think it is because they don’t think he can play anymore. It is a business decision. McNabb is 33 and the Eagles have a young quarterback they invested a high draft pick in, waiting in the wings (pun intended).
The Eagles have thought about trading McNabb before, but never this seriously. The reason it is serious now is because at some point they have to see what Kevin Kolb can do for better or worse.
If McNabb stays in Philly an already contentious relationship could be even more strained.
3- The Raiders will pay him.
McNabb isn’t hurting for money, but he is in the last year of his contract and has a big roster bonus coming up. He is looking for an extension and according to all sources the Raiders are willing to pay him for his services and make him the undisputed #1 quarterback on the team.
4- McNabb would be beloved in Oakland.
I know a lot of Raider fans and if there were rumors that I was being traded to play quarterback for them they would be happy. Any quarterback to them would be better than JaMarcus Russell.
They would rather have Jake Delhomme and his goat than Russell. If McNabb is traded to Oakland he will be a hero not just to the fans, but the Raiders players as well. The players on the Raiders believe they are a playoff team if they have a serviceable quarterback and McNabb is still a top 10 quarterback in the league.
5- A quick turnaround not impossible
The Saints were 3-13 the year before they got Drew Bress. The Dolphins were 1-15 before they got Chad Pennington a few years back. Both teams made the playoffs the following year. If they Raiders can win five games with JaMarcus Russell it isn’t crazy to think they could win 9 or 10 with McNabb. The AFC West best team is the Chargers, but it isn’t a stack division to the point they couldn’t make a quick turnaround.
—
McNabb is 33 years old. He has plenty of good football left in him, if he is traded to the Raiders I think he should embrace the opportunity to turn a legendary franchise around.
He should tell them to sign Terrell Owens too.