Rumor: Eagles and Rams Finalizing Trade Involving McNabb

[BigHairedAristocrat]

I agree that it would be a close-to-draft-day deal. The Rams are currently talking contract with Suh, McCoy, Bradford and possibly Clausen. If the Rams want McNabb, then it means they plan to take Suh or McCoy with the first overall pick. Executing (or even acknowledging) the trade now would limit the teams leverage in getting the cheapest possible deal from Suh or McCoy.

On the flip-side, if the Rams really want Bradford, then leaking rumors about the potential trade and then publically denying it puts pressure on Bradford to sign a below-market deal, since if the Rams dont take him, the first chance for him to get drafted would be #4 to the Redskins. If the Redskins passed on him, barring a trade, he would fall to the Browns at 7 or potentially the Bills at 9. Last year, Matthew Stafford got about 42MM garaunteed with the potential to earn 78MM over 6 years. Mark Sanchez got selected 4 spots later. His contract: 28MM garaunteed. If Bradford doesn't sign with the Rams, he's going to lose atleast 10MM. With the rumors circulating that the Rams might be interested in McNabb, its in his best (financial) interest to make a sweetheart deal with the Rams to ensure he's the #1 overall pick.

A one word synopsis of everything I just said: "Strategery."