Over this past weekend, the NFC East made several free agency splashes.
The biggest move came Sunday evening when the Eagles finally traded long-time quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for a 2010 2nd round draft pick and a 3rd or 4th round pick for 2011. I believe the move was good for both sides, but the Eagles clearly got the better end of the stick. They already have Kevin Kolb, who looked great when he played last year. If he doesn't initially pan out, they have Michael Vick on deck. Furthermore, they are set for the draft with an eye-opening eleven draft picks. They also avoided paying McNabb a roster bonus that was due early May, and they don't have to worry about re-signing him to a new deal next year. The Eagles also traded cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong, to the Cleveland Browns for 4th and 5th round picks - another trade that the Eagles got the better end of.
I'm relieved that we don't have to hear about McNabb coming to the Cardinals any longer. Although there's no doubt that if talks with the Redskins go south next offseason, we'll begin hearing the rumors again. Nevertheless, let's put that talk on the back burner.
Before all of this happened, on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys released two starters in tackle Flozell Adams and safety Ken Hamlin. I have no interest in Hamlin but I'm curious in everyone's thoughts on Adams. Yes, he's 34-years old but he's still an upper echelon tackle in this league and the Cardinals do have needs at tackle. He's a good run-blocker and can still handle his share of pass rushers. At his age, he'd be a two year stop-gap at most. but it would prolong the needs for the time being. Rumor has it that three teams are interested in Adams - could the Cardinals be one of them?
As for the other two teams in the division, the Redskins signed former Steeler running back Willie Parker to a one year deal last Friday. With Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson already in the mix, it's no surprise to me that Mike Shanahan brought in an extra back to join the stable - something he was known for in Denver. The Giants signed former Seahawk safety Deon Grant as well.