Donovan McNabb traded to Redskins

In the boldest move since Mike Shanahan took over as head coach, the Redskins acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb Sunday night in a trade with the Eagles.

McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler, instantly changes the face of the Redskins' offense, simultaneously casting uncertainty on quarterback Jason Campbell's future and the team's plans for this month's draft. His arrival also means Redskins' fans can expect a new starting quarterback at the start of the 2010 season.

In exchange for McNabb, the Redskins gave up their second-round pick in this month's draft -- the draft's 37th overall selection -- and a fourth-round selection in the 2011 draft. Next year's pick, though, could become a third-round selection, depending on McNabb's performance this season.

"Obviously that was a tough decision to make, in trading Donovan," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a press conference. "He's been such a great player here for 11 years and set every record here you could set and been such a good example on and off the field.
Unfortunately things like this happen in the NFL ... I will always wish Donovan the best of luck except for two times a year."

McNabb was Philadelphia's dependable starter since midway through his rookie season in 1999. He led the Eagles for more than a decade, taking them to the Super Bowl XXXIX, the same season in which he was named the NFC's offensive player of the year in 2004. A mobile quarterback and polarizing figure for many fans, McNabb's future has been in doubt in Philadelphia since the Eagles acquired Michael Vick in 2009 and drafted Kevin Kolb in the second round of the 2007 draft.

Despite votes of confidence from Eagles' Coach Andy Reid and team president Joe Banner, the Eagles began putting out feelers last month that they'd be willing to trade McNabb. At the same time, the Redskins were weighing their options for the 2010 season.

With a new coaching staff in place, the Redskins are expected to implement a new offense this season, so it's not surprising that they sought out a new quarterback. It wasn't immediately certain how this might affect the team's draft plans. Many around the league expected the Redskins to pursue a quarterback in this month's draft.