This Donovan McNabb-to-the-Raiders rumor just won't die. In fact, it's only picked up steam, thanks to ESPN, which is essentially re-reporting last week's scuttlebutt that the Raiders are the leading candidates to land the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Now, though, the network is highlighting the Syracuse connection between McNabb and Al Davis and the distant family relationship between McNabb and new Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
Still, I've been told by a Raider source that McNabb wants little, if anything, to do with Raider Nation. And the Contra Costa Times reported today that if the Eagles have been in discussions with the Raiders, per ESPN, then that's news to the Raiders.
It's fun to play fantasy G.M., no doubt. Even more fun to look at the domino effect the Raiders landing McNabb would have on the rest of the roster.
The knee-jerk reaction is to think JaMarcus Russell would be on his way out. In fact, it might actually buy Russell another year, at least. And this is by no means a vote of confidence for Russell, who does not deserve one.
Think about it. The Raiders have already made a huge financial investment in Russell, who was still the third-youngest QB in the league last year. They realize he needs a mentor, which was the role Jeff Garcia was supposed to fill last season before, and I'm making an educated guess here, he was so disappointed in Russell's lack of work ethic and was not ready to be a back-up he asked for his release.
Also, who was the veteran quarterback that did reach out to Russell last season? McNabb. Perhaps McNabb could offer counsel to Russell and maybe Russell would respect McNabb enough to accept it.
But acquiring McNabb could not be a one-and-done deal as he is entering the final year of his contract. They'd have to agree to some sort of extension or pull a Richard Seymour and "franchise" him. By then, you'd know for certain what you had in Russell.
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