Philadelphia traded Donovan McNabb within the division for…
Philadelphia traded Donovan McNabb within the division for pick No. 37 in 2010 and a conditional 2011 selection that became No. 104. The Eagles drafted safety Nate Allen with the second-rounder and later traded No. 104 for Casey Matthews plus a 2012 fourth-round pick. McNabb started only 13 games for Washington before the relationship collapsed. Philadelphia extracted multiple years of value from a quarterback it was ready to replace.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2010 2nd round pick (37th overall, Nate Allen)
- pick 2011 4th round pick (104th overall subsequently traded, Luke Stocker)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Donovan McNabb
Trade Analysis
Why Washington Made the Quarterback Bet
Washington acquired Donovan McNabb from Philadelphia in April 2010 for the 37th pick that year and a conditional 2011 third- or fourth-round choice. The condition ultimately produced pick No. 104 in the fourth round. Washington was buying an established six-time Pro Bowl quarterback, while Philadelphia was committing to Kevin Kolb and then, unexpectedly, Michael Vick.
What McNabb Gave Washington
McNabb started 13 games in his only Washington season. He threw for 3,377 yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and the relationship with Mike Shanahan deteriorated as the year progressed. McNabb was benched late in the season and traded to Minnesota the following summer. Washington therefore paid premium draft capital for one uneven year without reaching the playoffs.
What Philadelphia Received
The Eagles used pick No. 37 on safety Nate Allen. Allen became a long-term starter, appearing in 74 games and starting 69 during five Philadelphia seasons. The conditional pick became No. 104 in 2011. Philadelphia traded that choice to Tampa Bay for No. 116, used on Casey Matthews, and a 2012 fourth-rounder. That future fourth-rounder later entered the DeMeco Ryans trade, extending the value chain beyond the original deal.
Why the Timing Was So Important
Philadelphia recognized that McNabb’s market value remained strong even as the organization was ready to transition. Washington paid for past quarterback stature but received little future stability. The Eagles obtained a starting defensive back and additional trade flexibility without sacrificing the next phase of their offense.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win. The Eagles earn an A for converting McNabb into Allen and further draft capital. Washington receives a D because the expensive quarterback solution lasted only one disappointing season.