18 Dec 10 Donovan McNabb's Contract: How Do Benching and $78 Million Go Together?

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesDonovan McNabb signed a new contract with the Washington Redskins on Monday, reportedly for five years and $78 million, $40 million of which is guaranteed.This move is somewhat baffling considering the last time we saw McNabb, he was standing on the sidelines afterReebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
being benched for Rex Grossman in the two-minute drill.The contract extension flies in the face of all the rumored problems between McNabb and Shanahan in the wake of the benching.Like wine and roses, though, the contract extension serves as an apologyfor a big coachingblunder that Shanahan most likely never will publicly admit to.Head Coach Mike Shanahan trotted out a few reasons that didn't make a lot of sense, such as McNabb's supposed unfamiliarity with the two-minute drill and his cardiovascular fitness.While McNabb detractors can jump on him for a lot of things, cardiovascular fitness never was one of them.So what does this contract extension mean? Other than the fact it pretty much locks up McNabb through the rest of his career.It means whatever problems Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
Shanahan had with McNabb now have to be reconciled because the owner of the team has made his choice.McNabb's contract extension means there will be no quarterback drafted in the first round in next year's draft and that McNabb is the quarterback of the near and distant future.Do You Think Donovan McNabb's $78 Million Contract Extension Was A Mistake?Do You Think Donovan McNabb's $78 Million Contract Extension Was A Mistake?Yes57.1%No20.8%Can I have a contract extension?22.1%Total votes: 371The Redskins made their choice, and now Shanahan has to make this work. Another benching like the last one won't be well-received by anyone in the organization, and blame will fall on the coaches if it's deemed McNabb wasn't "ready" or "fit."It also is Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
up to McNabb to live up to the contract. He has to be more consistent, especially in big game situations. His playoff record and play need to improve should the Redskins make the playoffs, and McNabb has to stop giving critics a reason to dog him.The future is now in Washington and McNabb is at the helm. This is no longer a one or two-year stint until the Redskins can draft and develop a young prospect, it now is McNabb's ship to sail.