There Donovan McNabb was- working out with his former teammates, saying what great shape he was in, and talking about having a great next season.
But as McNabb worked out in New Jersey with members of the Philadelphia Eagles, the question had to asked: could they soon become his current team mates?
Would the fans welcome back McNabb and his world famous smile?
The obvious, short answer to that is a resounding no. McNabb is looking for a situation where he can start, improve his image,and make good on what he party invitation promises- “future Hall of Famer.”
But lets live in a world where it was a possibility. Because its not hard to imagine a scenario in which it could.
If McNabb is released by the Washington Redskins when the lockout ends as many expect, it will be interesting to see what kind of offers he gets. McNabbs dream of playing in the location of his summer home, Arizona, will most likely be blocked by Kevin Kolb. Brad Childress is gone in Minnesota, and while Leslie Frazier has ties to Andy Reid, they drafted a quarterback in the NFL Draft. McNabb showed during his time in Philadelphia he is not crazy about dealing with quarterback controversy.
Locations such as San Francisco and Seattle would make sense, but those teams may decide to start rebuilding with a young quarterback as well.
The question then becomes: if McNabb is unable to find a place to call home, how long does Andy Reid let him be publicly embarrassed?
Make no doubt about it- it would be a PR disaster for McNabb if he had to go searching for a job instead of being courted. If it gets to that, it is not far fetched to think Andy Reid or McNabb would talk about a possible reunion. Reid talked for years about his love for Donovan, and has shown that he will make a bold move if he thinks it will help a long time friend. Just take a peak inside the Defensive Coordinators office at the NovaCare if you don’t think thats the case.
Reid could once again run his favorite play: the wildcat
If Kolb is traded, Reid will no doubt be in the market for a veteran backup. McNabb, on paper, would be the dream scenario- proven, professional, knows the offense. For McNabb, he might look at the dangerous playing style of Michael Vick and see himself as one play away from finally being able to play with some weapons in Philadelphia. Vick would remember McNabb suggesting that Vick be brought in 2 years ago, swallow his pride, and sign off on the move.
Would McNabb be welcomed back into the locker room? The “Young Guns” of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy were happy to see McNabb go. Vick, however, is very popular within the locker room. The fans would also most likely not welcome back McNabb, as it seems with every day he is gone they grow more and more tired of him.
Clearly, this scenario is about as likely as McNabb hitting a receiver in stride over the middle.
But in a world where Michael Vick is the Eagles starting quarterback, Juan Castillo is running a defense, and Andy Reid is committed to the run (well, not that), stranger things have happened.
