Sigh of Relief?

Going to sleep after Monday night’s 59-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Redskins fans had more on their minds than the staggering defeat. What was most upsetting was the report that the Redskins had signed quarterback Donovan McNabb to a $78 million extension, $40 million of which was guaranteed. For a quarterback in his mid-30s who had just been benched because the coaching staff did not have faith in his ability to lead the 2 minute drill and whose performance throughout the season has been average at best, this seemed to make no sense. Except that it made perfect sense to Redskins fans, who have become resigned to the fact that Daniel Snyder is determined to sabotage his team by making terrible personnel decisions.

Luckily Tuesday brought some better news. If McNabb is cut in the offseason, then the Redskins will only be on the hook for $3.75 million. Assuming McNabb plays at the same level as he has so far this season, which seems likely, there is no reason to keep him. McNabb has 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the season (his last game without an interception was in Week 2), and it has become painfully clear that the Redskins need to rebuild on offense (and after the way the Eagles performed on Monday, maybe the defense too).

But of course, it’s never that simple for the Redskins. Snyder is allergic to rebuilding, and I’m sure Mike Shanahan didn’t come out of retirement for a bunch of losing seasons. That is why I expect in the offseason the Redskins will make the boldest move in the offseason (once again) by signing Michael Vick to an 8 year, $175 million deal this offseason. If Tom Brady could pull off a 4 year, $72 million extension at 33, then Snyder can convince himself that this is a fair market deal, besides the absurdity of it. This is not to say that Vick hasn’t been great this season; his performance against the Redskins highlighted how much he has improved as a quarterback. While he is still a dynamic runner, he first checked all his reads to see if receivers were open, and made throws ranging from deep bombs to across-the-field screens with the perfect touch. The problem (besides the issues of Vick’s past criminal behavior) is his ability to stay healthy. Vick has already missed three games this season due to injury, and the number of hits he would take playing behind the Redskins offensive line only magnifies the risk. Not to mention, Vick has excellent help at the skill positions with the Eagles, while the Redskins have the opposite problem. For the money Vick would demand from the Redskins, the investment is not worth it.

But when has this stopped Snyder before? Vick’s performance at FedEx field not only vaunted the Eagles as one of the favorites (if not the favorite) to advance to the Super Bowl from the NFC, but probably ensured him a huge payday. Unfortunately for Redskins fans, if they do sign Vick, he won’t be able to play against the Redskins defense when the new season starts.