Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that according to Donovan McNabb's new six-year contract, the Redskins have a window to pay his $10 Million option bonus in 2011 that extends from March 1st until Week 1 of the 2011 season. The Redskins could theoretically squat on McNabb's rights for the entire offseason, exploring their options in free agency, trade, or the NFL Draft before deciding to trade or releasing McNabb. As one league source told Pro Football Talk, "They can really stick it to him." The source also said that it’s hard to believe that such a deal would ever be contained in a quarterback contract, especially in a contract for a veteran quarterback. Source: Pro Football Talk
Now this deal doesn't seem as ludicrous as it first did. That deal now seems like a PR move and it could ultimately be a one-year contract. This gives the Redskins all the cards and control McNabb's impending future. This gives the Redskins six months in the offseason to decide whether he's their starter for the foreseeable future. They could even cut him right before the start of the 2011 season (if there is one), after all the teams have their positions set.
