PHILADELPHIA -- Teams interested in acquiring Donovan McNabb will have to part with a high draft pick to get him.
A person familiar with trade discussions involving McNabb told The Associated Press the Philadelphia Eagles will only consider a deal for the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback if it includes a pick among the top 42 in next month's NFL draft.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team doesn't comment on potential trades.
After months of saying McNabb would return for another year, Eagles coach Andy Reid acknowledged Wednesday he was listening to offers for McNabb, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick.
McNabb, who doesn't retain a no-trade clause but does hold the power to decline contract offers, would prefer the Minnesota Vikings if he were traded, according to a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer, which cited sources close to the situation.
But the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams are considered to be most interested in McNabb. Each team has two picks in the top 42.
It's unlikely any of those teams would give up a first-round pick for McNabb. The Rams have the first overall selection, the Raiders pick eighth and the Bills are ninth. In the second round, however, the Rams have the 33rd pick, Raiders are 39th and Bills are 41st.
The Vikings are awaiting Brett Favre's decision on a return, a commitment that could come as late as midsummer, which would likely be too long to wait for the Eagles.
The Raiders are considered the front-runner for McNabb if a deal is made. It's still possible the Eagles would accept a pick outside the top 42 if a team sweetened the offer with other picks and/or players.
McNabb is expendable because he's entering the final season of his contract and Kolb is considered the quarterback of the future. The 33-year-old McNabb has led Philadelphia to five NFC Championship Games in 11 seasons, winning one NFC title.
McNabb had an outstanding season last year until the final two games -- consecutive losses at Dallas. The first loss to the Cowboys cost the Eagles the NFC East title.
Associated Press
Mcnabb has been a staple in Philly for as long as i can remember. He is easily a top 5 quarterback in the NFL. However he has never gotten his team to the promise land and won a superbowl. His best chance was a few years back when TO was on the roster, Westbrook was a young lion and Jimmy Johnson was still defensive coord. Now Philly has a QB dillema with Kevin Kolb and Mike Vick waiting in the wings. Seems like the older more established guy is getting the short end of the stick. The NFL can be so brutal and unforgiving!
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