For the second consecutive off-season, the Eagles are operating with a surplus at the quarterback position. It's all but certain the Eagles will slap the franchise tag on Mike Vick when the designation becomes available this Thursday, likely locking v2.0 in Philadelphia for the 2011 season. It's also widely assumed the front office eventually intends to work out a long term extension with their starting quarterback, who was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year over the weekend.
Put two and two together, and Kevin Kolb logically should be available if the price is right.
The speculation where he'll wind up officially got under way on Sunday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Arizona Cardinals, one of numerous clubs seeking that elusive franchise quarterback, began their search by reaching out to star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Sources revealed the five-time Pro Bowler was asked who he would like to catch passes from next season, and wouldn't you know it, right at the top of the list is Philadelphia's most famous boar hunter.
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Ordinarily it might be considered odd for a front office to consult an active member of the roster about any personnel decision, particularly at the quarterback position, but the Cardinals have reason to pander to Fitzgerald. The former third overall pick is scheduled to become a free agent in 2012, and if there isn't somebody competent under center by then, the team will have a tough sell on their hands.
If management is taking his input seriously, there is every reason to believe they will engage the Birds in trade talks. Fitz's list, which is also said to have included free agent Marc Bulger, emphasized signal callers who are ready to play right now. None of the prospects entering April's draft made the cut. There aren't any projects. Both Kolb and Bulger would be expected to step in and play at a high level immediately.
That said, Bulger would be a bit of a strange choice. The former Rams quarterback will be 34-years-old, and he hasn't played a quality season since 2006. He spent 2010 as a backup on the Ravens, which is seemingly the way the remainder of his career is destined to go. It makes far more sense to go after the younger quarterback just entering his prime, and perhaps add Bulger as an insurance policy.
The Eagles are thought to have set the asking price for Kolb beginning at a first round pick, but unless they are willing to accept a choice in next year's draft, they won't get that from Arizona. The Cards hold the fifth pick in the draft, which is mighty steep for a quarterback with only seven career starts. Philly might be forced to settle for a package of picks that is headlined by the 38th overall choice, coincidentally the one number later than they received in exchange for Donovan McNabb.
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Of course, that is contingent on a Collective Bargaining Agreement being reached prior to the draft.
There is still a possibility the Eagles could keep both Kolb and Vick this season, but they risk watching helplessly as one of them leaves via free agency next year. If the plan is to hitch their Super Bowl hopes over the next three to five seasons on 7, the right thing to do is move 4. The compensation would improve the team, and they avoid creating any ill-will with Kolb as he watches yet another season from the sidelines.
This is just the first in what could be a long line of trade rumors surrounding the Eagles' quarterback. Nearly half the league is being held back by the lack of a franchise quarterback, and there aren't nearly enough blue chippers in this upcoming draft to satisfy the demand. While others will undoubtedly be thrown into the mix, if this report is accurate, expect the Cardinals to be major players somewhere down the line.