It wouldn’t be an NFL offseason without a bevy of trade rumors. And it wouldn’t be an NFL offseason in the city of Philadelphia without Donovan McNabb trade rumors.

The local media and a select group of fans have been trying to write McNabb’s obituary for years. Despite his accomplishments, which are many, Don isn’t the most appreciated guy in town.

Two ugly January losses to the hated Cowboys did nothing to discourage the McNabb haters. If anything, it emboldened them to raise their voices an octave or two higher in hopes of finally persuading the Birds brain trust to ship the man they call “5″ elsewhere.

Golem-like NFL insider John Clayton spoke this morning on ESPN Radio’s “Mike and Mike” show about different McNabb trade scenarios. According to Clayton, the two most likely destinations are Minnesota and/or Arizona, should either Brett Favre or Kurt Warner call it quits. Huh?

Why would the Eagles hand a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback to one of their biggest conference rivals? Not only is that nonsensical, it’s just plain dumb. Sure, it makes sense for the Vikings and Cards because they would be desperate to find a solution under center, but from Philly’s perspective, it’s insane.

Why do you think the Packers were so adamant about not allowing Favre to sign with the Vikings before the 2008 season? They didn’t want the old man doing exactly what he did this season, which was shred Green Bay twice. Yeah, yeah, I know Bill Belichick traded Drew Bledsoe to the Bills once upon a time, but by now we can all agree that Belichick spits on conventional wisdom.

The Eagles didn’t become one of the league’s most stable organizations by being stupid. For the most part, they are very shrewd when it comes to personnel decisions. If they were to deal McNabb, and I for one don’t believe they will, it would not be to a team that could block their way to a Super Bowl.

Buffalo, Cleveland, Denver — yes. Minnesota, Arizona, Carolina — no.

Clayton and the rest of his pals should try using their heads for more than just talking. They’ll sound much more credible if they do.