The Philadelphia Eagles have restructured the final two years of the contract of their quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb, 32, was set to earn US$9.2 million (Dh33.7m) this season and $10m next season but the new deal is worth $24.5m, with another $1m in incentives. The Eagles reached the NFC title game last season but lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 32-25, leaving McNabb still searching for his first Super Bowl victory.
"Last year, we were just that close," McNabb, a 10-year NFL veteran, said. "And I think we can get over that hump. I'm focused on winning the Super Bowl hopefully in these next two years. That's got to be the main focus. "When you get so close six times, one time to be in the Super Bowl, you feel like it's going to happen. Hopefully in these next two years." Meanwhile veteran wide receiver James Thrash has been released by the Washington Redskins, the team said on Friday.
The 34-year-old originally joined the Redskins as a free agent in 1997 and spent a total of nine seasons with the club (1997-2000, 2004-2008). Over his 12-year NFL career, which included three seasons with the Eagles, Thrash had 290 catches for 3,646 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Houston Texans have signed former Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman. Grossman, who was with the Bears for six years but spent the past season as back-up, was a free agent.
The Texans have Matt Schaub as starting quarterback and also signed ex-Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky to a deal during the off-season. Grossman is likely have to compete with Orlovsky and Alex Brink for back-up duties. "I'm going to be a good soldier, but at the same time, I am going to compete and do the best I can," Grossman said. "They've got their starter and they brought in Dan Orlovsky. I am just going to get in the mix and see where I fit in."
Grossman has thrown for 6,164 yards and 33 touchdowns in his career. * Agencies