Hmm.. Redskins Extend McNabb

The last time we saw the Washington Redskins playing football, they were collapsing against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter to give the Lions a huge victory in an NFC battle. Moreover, Rex Grossman was taking the critical snaps in the final two minutes. Donovan McNabb, the new franchise quarterback, was benched for reasons nobody was exactly clear on. Coach Mike Shanahan told reporters that Grossman gave the Redskins the best chance to win the game. Ouch, huh?

Well, after a bye this weekend, the 'Skins have apparently straightened out the wrinkles in that relationship. Michael Smith reports this afternoon that Washington has signed McNabb to a 5-year, $78 million extension, $40 million of which is guaranteed money.

This is, plain and simply, an enigma to me. First of all, the timing makes no sense. With such a controversy brewing, I never would have even expected McNabb would vow to stay there -- since he just gets pulled with two minutes to go. On top of that, he's been struggling and he's been around a while. Could he be nearing the end of the line? The Redskins don't think so. Either way, McNabb won't be leaving Washington any time soon. He wasn't able to bring a ring to Philly despite some great seasons. He'll have 5 years to get that done for D.C.