The Philadelphia Eagles are facing major questions heading into an offseason that once again has come all too early.
One of those decisions will come in the form of what to do at the quarterback position.
They have three guys, all with one year remaining on their contracts.
Donovan McNabb has been in Philadelphia since 1999. He has taken the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. He had a career year this past year, but has never been able to get over the hump and bring a title to Philadelphia.
Kevin Kolb was drafted a couple of years ago. At the time, many thought he would soon take over for McNabb. Kolb has seen spot duty and played well in the time he saw the field this season when McNabb was injured.
Michael Vick played sparingly this season after coming back into the NFL after serving time in prison. He did not have much of an impact except for a few plays and never really materialized into the weapon many fans expected.
So what in the world do the Eagles do?
First off, there is no way the keep all three.
Second, Eagles coach Andy Reid has already said McNabb will be back. Of course, he can't really say he plans to trade McNabb. So let's say that at this point, anything is on the table.
Here are two different realistic scenarios.
1) Keep McNabb to be your starter and Kolb as the backup. Trade Vick. McNabb is still a pro bowl quarterback and gives the Eagles the best chance to win. The Eagles really don't know what they have in Kolb and being as how they feel close to winning a Super Bowl, would they really put Kolb at the head of the ship?
Vick would be owed $5 million next season. There is no way they are going to pay him that to be a third string quarterback who plays a little bit in the wildcat offense. The Eagles really did not use Vick much this year anyway.
2) Trade McNabb and make Kolb your starter. Vick would then serve as the backup. Kolb played well in the time he got to play this year. He might be a better fit for the style of offense the Eagles play as he has more accuracy than McNabb.
Vick played more when McNabb was out and it is possible that while Kolb starts, Vick would see the field more as a change of pace quarterback.
The tricky part of this whole equation is that the Eagles really need to make a long term decision prior to the season starting. While it would be nice if they could go into the season with McNabb as the starter and Kolb ready to take over full time should McNabb get injured or stumble, that is not going to happen.
The Eagles will need to pick one of these three and sign him to a longer term deal. Not doing that would be risking too much.
After last season owner Jeffrie Lurie said the Eagles are crazy if they think they can keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results. Could McNabb be part of the equation that they need to change?
I don't think so.
My bet is on Vick being traded. The Eagles are not going to pay him $5 million to be a back up. He did not play a whole ton this season.
In this scenario, McNabb would sign an extension and Kolb would play out his contract as the backup. The Eagles would probably try to sign Kolb longer term, but he would likely want a chance to start somewhere.
Reid has a very tough decision ahead of him, one in which will have major effects long term.
Do you go with the guy you have had all along or take a chance on a new guy?
My bet is on McNabb developing more of a chemistry with te younger guys.
Maybe Kolb develops into a special quarterback, maybe not.
We do know McNabb, while he has his shortcomings, is a special quarterback.
While he is labeled as a guy who cannot win big games, keep in mind you don't get to five NFC title games without being able to win big games.
McNabb gives the Eagles the best chance to win. My money is on the Eagles making the right choice and bringing him back long term.
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