McNabb Headed to St. Louis?

According to a report from the Birds’ Eye View, Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles blog, Donovan McNabb could be the new quarterback for the St. Louis Rams “by the end of the day, possibly by the end of the week.”

This rumor surfaces only a few weeks after Seattle’s reported interest in obtaining the veteran quarterback; it was rumored that the Seahawks would have to surrender at least one of their first-round selections to obtain McNabb. According to the Inquirer, the Rams would receive McNabb in exchange for a second-round pick (33rd overall) and free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. The same report, however, says that no deal is completed yet.

For the same reasons I was disgruntled about Seattle’s rumored interest in McNabb, I’m thrilled that St. Louis is pursuing the aging veteran. The Rams are still at least a few years away from fielding a competitive squad and McNabb turns 34 later this year.

St. Louis has obviously seen enough of Marc Bulger, but McNabb would only be a temporary fix. It does, however, make some sense from a St. Louis perspective. Obtaining a capable signal-caller would not only interest fans and generate some ticket sales, but the Rams could also avoid drafting a quarterback first overall.

Through labor negotiations, a rookie pay scale is imminent – this could be the last year teams will be throwing large chunks of guaranteed cash at unproven rookies. The Rams could save a lot of money by waiting one more year to address the future, not to mention the enormous risk associated with high-priced quarterbacks selected first overall.

If McNabb is headed to St. Louis, the entire top ten of the draft could be shaken up a bit. If the Rams pass on Sam Bradford, they’ll likely select one of the top linemen available. Whatever happens between St. Louis and Philadelphia will have a direct impact on what happens in next month’s draft.

What do you think, 12th Man? Is St. Louis acquiring Donovan McNabb a good or bad thing?

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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