He was one of the toughest quarterbacks I've been fortunate to watch his whole career that's not named Brett Favre or Drew Bledsoe.
Steve McNair was a warrior. He played through pains we will never know about. And through it all, he carried the Tennessee Oilers/Titans when he was on the field. Before New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning made a unbelieveable escape in Super Bowl XLII, McNair broke away from the grasp of two St. Louis Rams defenders as part of one of the most memorable drives in Super Bowl history. Of course McNair's final slant pass was one yard short, but he willed the Titans to the brink of victory thanks to that great escape.
The injuries caught up to McNair and he called it quits Thursday. He paved the way for QB Michael Vick to get drafted first overall. If McNair didn't prove to the league (along with Donovan McNabb) that a black quarterback with great running ability can also be an accomplished pocket passer, Vick and others wouldn't get a fair chance to continue their careers as the position they want to play.
It was great watching you play, McNair. Thanks for 13 exciting years.
And while the Baltimore Ravens appreciate his two years with them, it creates more urgency to find a long term franchise passer. Kyle Boller is a good backup, but he had his chance. Without McNair, does this mean they trade up to ensure they get Matt Ryan? Who in the top five is willing to fall back to eighth overall?
Maybe they'll call Kansas City. Rumor has it they want to trade restricted free agent DE Jaren Allen. Why is beyond me because it's not easy to find pass rushers of Allen's caliber. How often does a fourth round pick pan out like Allen has? Sure they'll be getting maximum value for Allen, but he won't be easily replaceable. If their recent history drafting D-linemen is any indication, the Chiefs will have to get lucky again.
Allen's rumored destination is Minnesota. If that trade happens, KC would be armed with the 17th overall pick. The Chiefs could get a DE prospect with that pick while using the fifth pick as a selection or as bait to another team as they can trade down a little and still get a very much needed O-lineman.
So if the Chiefs accept an offer to trade down, will they accept an offer from the Ravens or will someone else step up to the plate?
If trading Allen for a first round pick makes KC more willing, will the Patriots get involved to get the jump on the New York Jets? If Oakland passes on Ohio State's Vernon Gholston at third overall, will the Pats take aggressive action?
It's the first solid draft-related trade rumor with a little over a week before Miami is on the clock. I expect more rumors to fly as we get closer.
