First off, let me make it clear that there is a reason covering the Vikings is so much fun. That's because there is an endless supply of speculation to keep a beat writer busy 12 months a year. Want evidence? Well, here it is.
Three days after the Vikings' heart-breaking loss to New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game, there already is conjecture about what the franchise might do at quarterback. Yes,Brett Favre is signed for 2010 andall indications are theVikings want him back, but what fun isactually waiting on a decision from him?
Instead, the namebeing thrown out thereas a possibility to replace Favre is longtime Eagles quarterbackDonovan McNabb . The realityis thatjust when you wantto dismiss such talk you give it some thought and, well, you start to put together the pieces and ...
McNabb's situation is that he has a year left on his contract with the Eagles andspeculationis the team might be willing to move him. McNabb is fromChicago, so being in Minneapolis wouldput himclose to home, and, of course,Brad Childressworkedclosely with McNabb when the Vikings coach was first thequarterback's coach and then offensive coordinator with the Eagles.
McNabb, 33, threw for 3,553 yardswith 22 touchdownsand 10 interceptions in 14 gamesthis season. There is evidence the Vikings inquired about McNabb last offseason to see what it would take to get him butfound the price tag to be far too high. While the price might not be as high this time around, the Vikings also are coming off a 12-4 finish and appearance in the NFCtitle game with Favre running the show.
If the Vikings were to move on McNabb, that could create a very uncomfortable situation if Favre decides he's going to return. Of course, it would be nice if Favre made a decision sooner rather than later butassuming that's going to happen would bevery dangerous.
McNabb, interviewed by ESPN at the Pro Bowl, clearly has tired of the speculation and expects toremain in Philadelphia. "Why wouldn't I be [staying put]?" McNabb said. "We've been going through this the last two or three years and I've been in one spot. I don't want to be anywhere else but Philly. Andy [Reid, the Eagles coach]came out to say it and the guys want me back. That's the most imporant thing."
Asked if he would be shocked to be traded, McNabb said: "I don't even get into that until. ... . You know what?I love being in Philly, I've been there 11 years, we havehad a lot of success over the years. I don'tbelieve in starting somewhereand going somewhere else to finish your career. Ibelieve in starting somewhere and finishing what you started. My goal was to win a Super Bowl and bring it back to Philadelphia. I think they deserve it. We've given them some great years, and Ithink good things are to happen pretty soon."