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INDIANAPOLIS -- There was a lot of talking here over the weekend, especially involving soon-to-be-free agents, but something you almost never heard was Donovan McNabb's name in a trade conversation.
There's a good reason for that: McNabb is not available. If that wasn't clear before, it is now.
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| The Donovan McNabb-Andy Reid partnership has been successful and shows no sign of ending anytime soon. (Getty Images) |
"I think they're keeping him," he said. "That's my take on this."
That's my take, too, but it's nothing new. Team president Joe Banner last season announced the Eagles planned to have McNabb as their starter in 2008, but that news was met by a measure of skepticism from fans and, frankly, a handful of teams.
Clubs interested in a veteran quarterback figured they would at least inquire about McNabb, and some have. But each said the Eagles aren't putting the "For Sale" sign on their star quarterback's shoulders.
That should come as no surprise to McNabb. Sources close to the club say he and coach Andy Reid speak to each other regularly, with their latest conversation this week, and that Reid continues to demonstrate unwavering support for his quarterback.
Reid's message, according to sources, is that McNabb is not on the block and will not be on the block. He will enter the 2008 season as the starter, with 2007 draft pick Kevin Kolb sitting behind him.
Sources also said McNabb has not asked for a trade and is not looking to get out of Philadelphia. Which means we'll be treated to another year of intrigue with the Eagles and their star quarterback.
Talk about an annual event. Football doesn't officially begin in Philadelphia until someone questions McNabb's future with the club, which means football doesn't officially end in Philadelphia.
I'm not sure there's another franchise quarterback who enters each season with the fascination that accompanies McNabb. If it's not Terrell Owens, it's McNabb's injuries. And if it's not his injuries, it's his leadership of the team. And if it's not his leadership of the team, it's the addition of Kolb.
I think you get the idea. It's always something with the guy, and you can forgive McNabb and/or his family if they're worn out because we're all worn out.
Each year there's another subject to debate despite what McNabb has done for the Eagles. And what he's done is take them to four consecutive conference championship games, one Super Bowl and five division titles the past seven years.