A perfect fit for Kevin Kolb?
Following Donovan McNabb's new deal, Kevin Kolb is left to twist in the wind. His contract, like McNabb's, expires after the 2010 season, which means he's bench-bound for the duration -- barring injury to #5.
I was giving some thought to possible landing spots for Kolb when Gregg pointed out the unlikeliness of a trade happening at this point in the offseason. With the Eagles in win-now mode, what's the point of dealing Kolb when they could probably get the same draft pick for him next offseason?
The motivation would have to come from another team, one willing to surrender at least a second-round pick for the No. 36 overall pick in the 2007 draft. In which case, Philly may be willing to go with A.J. Feely as McNabb's backup for 2009.
The perfect storm may be coming from St. Louis. No longer considered the long-term answer at quarterback, it's not inconceivable that Marc Bulger's August work may have the new Rams regime questioning whether he's even the short-term answer. Even more conveniently, new OC Pat Shurmur was Kolb's QBs coach in Philly, so he already knows the offense. If Bulger struggles out the gates, the Rams could then turn to "QB of the Future" Kolb instead of a retread like Kyle Boller.
The Rams may be the only fit as a Kevin Kolb dance partner this summer. In fact, they're almost a perfect fit.
Comments
"...barring injury to #7."
I can haz comeback?
Posted by: Bobby Hoying | June 12, 2009 03:52 PM
Yeah, I think you mean #5.
Interesting argument, but Andy Reid loves that guy. I'd be shocked if they move him for less than a first round pick, but the Rams do indeed make a lot of sense as a destination. The Vikings might next year after all the Favre dust settles, and Seattle could be another team to express interest at that point.
Imagine the grief from fans after they traded out of the first round of that draft and picked a guy who hasn't done much to help them win with the top pick.
Plus, AJ Feeley and McNabb are both over 30, and Andy Reid likes to keep the team pretty young. I think he's perfectly content with Kolb to sit there as an understudy until he's needed... particularly with McNabb's injury history. Feeley can be solid for a game or two, but much more than that and they're risking their season if Donovan goes down.
Of course, with Kolb's contract set to expire, they may have to try to get some value out of him if they think he'll leave to look for the chance to start elsewhere.
Posted by: Fredex | June 12, 2009 05:36 PM
It the team likes Kolb then why wouldn't they just hold on to him and continue to let him develop much like Green Bay did with Aaron Rodgers?
Posted by: Jesse | June 12, 2009 05:54 PM
holding onto him is a dandy plan, but you guys are assuming that kolb is going to sit patiently and wait his turn without any assurance that his turn is even coming. i can't think of many guys who have been the starting quarterback for their entire playing careers only to get to the nfl and sit on the end of a bench for 4 years...and then re-sign with the team who kept them on the bench.
if the birds are going to go the aaron rodgers route, they're going to have to do it all the way - up to and including forcing the experienced veteran ahead of him off the team to give the kid a chance to start. maybe it's premature to say so (it's a crazy league and a lot can happen in two years), but i can't see the birds telling a 34-yr old mcnabb to hit the road if they're still making nfc championship games.
Posted by: cgeezy | June 12, 2009 06:28 PM
gregg's right though - if i'm the eagles, i make the decision on kolb after this season. the reason they drafted him in the first place is because mcnabb couldn't stay healthy for a whole season. kolb is the ideal insurance policy for the rest of donovan's term in philly. if mcnabb has a devastating injury this year, the eagles extend kolb and cut ties with mcnabb after '10. if donovan stays healthy, they trade kolb and bring in another project to develop behind #5 until his play begins to decline.
don't underestimate how truly smart this organization is (like many of my fellow birds fans perennially do).
Posted by: cgeezy | June 12, 2009 06:55 PM
gregg's right though - if i'm the eagles, i make the decision on kolb after this season. the reason they drafted him in the first place is because mcnabb couldn't stay healthy for a whole season. kolb is the ideal insurance policy for the rest of donovan's term in philly. if mcnabb has a devastating injury this year, the eagles extend kolb and cut ties with mcnabb after '10. if donovan stays healthy, they get something for kolb before he bolts and bring in another project to develop behind #5 until his play begins to decline.
don't underestimate how truly smart this organization is (like many of my fellow birds fans perennially do).
Posted by: cgeezy | June 12, 2009 06:56 PM
This is an honest question, not a sarcastic one.
Didn't Kolb play during the infamous "benching" of McNabb during the season, and wasn't he beyond horrible?
I'm thinking it was Kolb, but the way everyone is talking about him in such a glowing fashion, I'm doubting my memory. Is he better than what he showed?
Posted by: arbee | June 12, 2009 07:01 PM