The numbers that are being thrown around regarding Donovan McNabb’s contract extension seem astronomical given the circumstances. McNabb is almost 34, seems to be injured once a season, and was already benched this year in favor of Rex Grossman. Despite all that, it was originally reported that his contract extension with the Washington Redskins is a five-year, $78 million deal that includes $40 million in guaranteed money. That may not be the case.
Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Redskins have a pretty significant out within the structuring of McNabb’s contract. As part of the deal, McNabb receives $3.75 million in bonuses and incentives for the remainder of this season. According to Schefter, the Skins have an option to pay a $10 million bonus this offseason before the remainder of the deal kicks in.
What does that mean? Basically, if Mike Shanahan decides he’s still unhappy with McNabb’s effort at practice or believes the quarterback isn’t grasping the offense, the Redskins can pay McNabb the additional $3.75 million they now owe him for this season and be on their way.
In other words this is nothing like the Tom Brady deal or the deal Peyton Manning is going to get. The situation between McNabb and the Redskins has been volatile to say the least, and it sounds like they’ve protected themselves against being stuck with No. 5 if things go South.
