Everyone from ESPN’s Adam Schefter to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has talked about the potential deal between the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The deal obviously circles around quarterback Donovan McNabb, with the Eagles pushing out of town the veteran to clear a jam at that position. But just recently, Nnamdi Asomugha’s name has been added to the equation.
Reports state that the Silver & Black would be willing to deal the cornerback, but the Eagles may be reluctant due to the massive contract attached to Asomugha.
From Oakland’s perspective; getting Asomugha’s landmark deal off the books could be enticing. He has one year left on a contract that will ensure him $16 million next season with a provision that could net him up to $20 million including an $8 million roster bonus at the end of this month.
The Eagles will be hesitant to take on such a burden, even though they’ll be relieving themselves of a quarterback that they may have to move at this point due to the poor handling of this matter.
And Oakland also makes for a good partner in this scenario due to the report that was disseminated by The Associated Press, which stated that a person close to the discussions gained knowledge about the Eagles insistence that whomever they deal with, must have a pick among the 42 selections in next month’s draft. The Raiders have the 8th overall selection in the draft and the 39th overall.
So far, the Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings have been linked as potential suitors.
The Rams can potentially snag a passer in the draft, Buffalo as well, and the Vikings are eagerly anticipating any word on Brett Favre’s future.
McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games in 11 seasons. He continues to be very productive at 33-years old and is still a highly capable starter in this league.
As much as the Raiders love Asomugha and all he has done for the organization and community, this deal makes a lot of sense, especially if they can bring back a cornerback in the deal off the Eagles roster.
The Eagles shouldn’t have to break the bank to jettison McNabb. Financially, it makes no sense for them.
And as intriguing as this move would be, Oakland could use the financial relief and the sure handed presence at quarterback.
Asomugha exemplifies everything good in professional sports. He’s one of the few bright spots in this current era of Raider football that can be looked at with pride & poise. Since he arrived in 2003, Oakland has been on a monumental down swing. But he has established himself as a Pro Bowler and a philanthropist.
A fan favorite, Asomugha’s departure could be met with mixed reviews. Many will like the fact that his contract being off the payroll will only help the team gain more flexibility as they move forward. Others will scoff at that notion of trading away one of the lone bright talents that were developed during this time of misery.

But with JaMarcus Russell casting a dark shadow on this club and Bruce Gradkowski, an underdog, as possible candidates to lead this team going into 2010, a trade for McNabb makes almost too much sense.
McNabb undoubtedly wants to go to a contender. Oakland is not one.
And that could put a snag in his possible future in Silver & Black, as he’ll work under a one-year deal till he becomes a free agent in 2011. Then like Richard Seymour, the Raiders will have to convince McNabb to stick around.
So it will be imperative for Oakland to get an extension if any deal for McNabb does down.
If not, there could be quite a mess in trying to keep Seymour and McNabb past 2010.
The cons of a deal of this magnitude; you’ll be getting a quarterback who is aging, playing on a team that has a unsteady offensive line and questionable skill position talent around him.
The names are big, the stakes are high…
Oakland and Philadelphia have many reasons to make this deal – and to reject such a trade.
One team is operating under the gun; the other has millions of fans feeling like they’ve been looking down the barrel of one for seven years.