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
i agree with fredex
Posted by: scott c | June 12, 2009 07:28 PM
arbee:
Kolb did indeed perform poorly. But 1) it was against the Baltimore Ravens defense, and 2) he actually did look better than McNabb had in that game.
Posted by: Enoch | June 12, 2009 08:26 PM
D'oh! #5, not #7. Thanks.
Good points all around in this discussion.
FWIW, I agree that Reid does love Kolb, and the Eagles are much more likely to wait until next offseason.
I also see arbee's point. Kolb hasn't shown one thing that would make me give up a 2nd round pick to acquire him. But the Rams are pretty desperate, no? Maybe they'll wait for a strong QB class next see and hope for Bradford.
Posted by: Wess | June 12, 2009 10:09 PM
While the Eagles drafted Kolb relatively high as the future replacement for McNabb, it sounds to me like his value is being overestimated here (though I am in agreement with Wess that the Rams might have modest interest).
He wasn't a 1st round pick like Rodgers (who did sit patiently - for 4 years I might add), and thus Kolb has little leverage to do anything besides wait his turn.
And a 2nd round pick in return? I'm afraid you're forgetting how highly most NFL teams value such picks. Matt Cassel essentially only garnered a 2nd round pick (and that's after a career year). Rosenfels surprisingly fetched a 2nd round pick (from the QB starved Vikings), but even he had at least some body of work to base his value.
Right now, it is highly debatable whether Kolb is good enough to even be a reliable #2 QB based upon his limited experience. Much less a future starter.
Posted by: Stephen | June 12, 2009 11:45 PM
I definitely agree with arbee on this one. Does Kolb really have one iota of tradeability? The answer seems to be a resounding "no".
He's performed poorly in nearly every opportunity he's received (granted, those are limited opps). Just because the Eagles reached for him at #36 in the draft a couple years ago certainly doesn't mean he'll command anywhere close to second round pick in trade.
This seems like a no-brainer to me. I'm not sure Kolb even deserves a post in Pancake Blocks. Am I crazy for thinking this?
Posted by: JMS | June 13, 2009 03:11 AM
Sorry Stephen, didn't notice I basically reposted your comment. Bottomine: Kolb is currently a low-tier QB in the NFL.
Posted by: JMS | June 13, 2009 03:14 AM
I don't remember Aaron Rodgers looking all that good in limited action either.
But the coaching staff remained high on him based on what they saw every day-- much like Kolb. I've read that Harbaugh said he was unstoppable in red zone drills in practice every day.
I'm not sure getting sacked at the end of a blowout and having a poor game when called in at halftime against the Ravens has anyone convinced he can't play, even if it didn't convince anyone he can either.
If he could have done more with those opportunities, a lot of people think that he'd be the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles now. There's something to be said for making the most out of your opportunities.
Posted by: Fredex | June 13, 2009 10:49 AM