It's well known that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb would prefer to be dealt to Minnesota and reunite with head coach Brad Childress, a former Eagles offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers, McNabb's position coach at Syracuse, if the Eagles decide to move him. Sources have said McNabb would be reluctant to sign extensions with Buffalo or Oakland, two teams who have reportedly inquired about trading for the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Agent Fletcher Smith said McNabb hasn't delivered him a list of teams he'd be willing or unwilling to play for. "It's early at this point to put a wish list together when we're not in position to," Smith said. "Making a wish list is a moot point." Source: The News Journal
So they can just trade for McNabb, play out this season (because it isn't like he'd sit out and lose that salary), and franchise him at the end of the season till he signs his tender or signs long term. Really not that tough.