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Eagles Rework McNabb's Contract; Veteran QB Gets A Raise
The Eagles announced Thursday evening that they have restructured the final two years of quarterback Donovan McNabb's contract. "We are thrilled that this all worked out," Eagles president Joe Banner said in a statement released by the team's official web site. "He is a great football player, a great person, and someone who gives back to the community.

"We are lucky to have him in Philadelphia."

As Comcast SportsNet's Derrick Gunn noted, McNabb was scheduled to earn $9.2 million this season and $10 million in 2010. FOXSports.com insider Jay Glazer reports that McNabb gets a raise over that $19.2 million he already was due to earn and guaranteed money for 2010.

McNabb and head coach Andy Reid are scheduled to meet the media Friday morning. In the meantime, Reid chimed in on the team release.

"The Philadelphia Eagles organization and the entire city of Philadelphia are fortunate to have a quarterback the caliber of Donovan McNabb," said the coach. "He has proven himself to be a talented player on the field, a caring member of the Philadelphia community, and a winner."

By the way, he's also been a pretty solid Fantasy producer.

Entering his 11th season as an Eagle, McNabb is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards (29,320), touchdown passes (194), attempts (4,303), and completions (2,534). He has led the Eagles to more regular season victories (82), and playoff appearances (7) than any other quarterback in team history.

A first-round draft choice in 1999 (2nd overall), McNabb has compiled the lowest interception percentage in NFL history (2.09 percent, 90 interceptions in 4,303 attempts) and the third best touchdown-to-interception ratio (2.16) in league history behind Tom Brady (2.29) and Steve Young (2.17).

McNabb, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, also holds the NFL record with 24 consecutive completions and is one of six players in league history with at least 25,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. The others are: Randall Cunningham, Young, Fran Tarkenton, Steve McNair and John Elway.

In 2008, McNabb led the Eagles to their highest scoring output in franchise history (416 points), while setting club records in yards (3,916), completions (345), and attempts (571). Along the way, he led the Eagles to their fifth appearance in the NFC Championship game since becoming a full-starter in 2000.

Earlier this offseason, the 32-year-old McNabb reportedly indicated he wouldn't negotiate a new deal until he saw the moves the team made in the offseason.

Apparently, he's satisfied.

"Some quarterbacks can go on, and it seems like forever," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said last week. "I think he's right in the middle of his prime."

Given last year's performance, it's hard to argue Mornhinweg's point. Indeed, it's a prime reason McNabb sits at No. 7 among all QBs on my initial rankings (as currently available on the FootballDiehards.com LIVE! Cheatsheets page).

I'll also suggest that McNabb should continue to benefit from an increasing array of talent at the skill positions. No. 1 draft pick Jeremy Maclin joins the fun at wideout, position in which four players -- DeSean Jackson (62), Kevin Curtis (33), Hank Baskett (33) and Jason Avant (32) -- had at least 30 receptions.

With Maclin and Jackson together on the field, the Eagles will have the youngest, most versatile pass-catching duo in the NFL. Both players can line up in the slot position, at wideout or in the backfield.

Curtis, Avant and Baskett will clearly add to the mix.

Meanwhile, Brent Celek emerged as a go-to guy in last season's playoffs, catching 19 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns in three games. Combined with his regular-season numbers, Celek had 46 catches for 469 yards.

And don't discount Brian Westbrook, who underwent ankle surgery last week.

As SI.com insider Peter King suggested on Monday, the procedure will keep the veteran halfback out of harm's way for most of the summer. Because of that, King believes Westbrook will be very much what he was last year.

In case you missed it, Westbrook averaged 20.5 touches per outing in 14 games last season.

Per King: "I'd put the over/under for Westbrook touches in the Philly opener at Carolina on Sept. 13 at 21. In fact, I'd probably take the over in that game."

So, with a new deal and plenty of talent on hand, it would appear that McNabb heads into the 2009 season without detractions or distractions. Let's hope he doesn't disappoint.