The annual league meetings open today in Orlando. The three-plus-day session features much more than ownership get-togethers; every coach, G.M., and other key executive will be attending all or part of the event.
It therefore provides the optimal offseason oasis for getting deals done between franchises. And with three quarterbacks entering the final year of their respective contracts, the Eagles are the team that everyone will be watching.
As Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer points out, the team’s entire power structure will be at the Ritz-Carlton -- owner Jeffrey Lurie, coach Andy Reid, president Joe Banner, and G.M. Howie Roseman. The Eagles have been sending out mixed signals regarding the availability of 11-year veteran Donovan McNabb, publicly claiming that McNabb isn’t available but privately listening, presumably waiting for someone to make them an offer they can’t refuse.
It’s a delicate balance, one which the Eagles have been managing for two-plus months. And we’ll continue to believe that McNabb is available, unless and until the team signs him to a new deal -- or trades his current backup, Kevin Kolb.
Whether it’s McNabb, Kolb, Mike Vick or some combination of the trio, the Eagles likely will be getting more feelers over the next few days. Whether it results in a transaction remains to be seen.
