Broncos

Please. Please. Please, don’t trade Donavan McNabb to the Oakland Raiders.

I don’t hold this extreme position because I’m an Eagles fan. And judging from the Philly fans I know, that wouldn’t make a difference considering they all want to chase him out of town like a scene out of a black-and-white 1950’s monster movie.

It’s always nice to see the NFL actually doing something right.

It all started, although could have gone further, with the changes to the overtime rules at the owners’ meetings not too long ago. Now, the Denver Broncos, who have been less than impressive when it comes to player relations the past few years, decided they would have Jason Elam retire as a Bronco.

It appears that the Denver Broncos are willing to part ways with wide receiver Brandon Marshall after tendering him with a first-round tender instead of a first and third-round tender on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Elvis Dumervil won’t be going anywhere as the Broncos tendered the linebacker with a first and third-round tender. The additional third-round tender means that Dumervil -- who had 17 sacks last season -- carries a $3.168 million price tag.

Former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Ed Johnson has signed with the Carolina Panthers as he adds depth to the team’s defensive line with his potential and size.

Johnson, who started all 16 NFL regular season games in the 2007 season [his rookie year] was an undrafted player coming out of Penn State. He also played under current Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks so the coach is aware of the potential and energy Johnson brings to the team for next season.

The Houston Texans with a 9-7 record this season almost made the NFL postseason and in a way to reward their head coach Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair and the organization have given the coach a contract extension.

The Texans announced Wednesday that the coach has signed a contract extension that runs through the 2012 season. With Kubiak leading the Texans to their first winning season and record in franchise history, there really is no need for the organization to let go of a successful and a possibility of building on what they had this year.

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell needs help so the organization has solicited the help of Hue Jackson as they have hired him as their new offensive coordinator. The hope is Jackson can turn Russell’s career around like he developed Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

With the addition of Jackson, head coach Tom Cable will relinquish the play-calling duties to the new hire now that the team has a legitimate offensive coordinator.

The Washington Redskins did not wait for too long to name their replacement for head coach Jim Zorn. After much speculations and rumors, Dan Snyder has picked his man and it is Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan, who signed a five-year deal, joins the team from the capital with a record not a lot of coaches can boost of. He has two Super Bowl rings on his resume while he was with the Denver Broncos.

Coach Tom Cable has announced during a conference call that Charlie Frye will be the starting quarterback, ahead of JaMarcus Russell, when the Oakland Raiders visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Does this mean the end to the Russell era in Oakland?

With the injury to starter Bruce Gradkowski who injured both knees in their game against the Washington Redskins, Cable feels Frye would be the best option for the team against a strong divisional rival, the Broncos. Frye agrees with his coach.

Just past the midway point into the season and the NFC East has turned into one of the most erratic divisions in a long time. The New York Giants started off with a 5-0 record and were on top of the football world. Everyone had all but penciled them into the Super Bowl, and then next thing you know they drop four in a row.

It seems the quarterback scenario that occurred in Tennessee last season, is happening this year in Oakland. The Raiders decided to bench their No.1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell for backup Bruce Gradkowski for the Sunday game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

It proved to be the right move as Gradkowski, with a little help from the Bengals, pulled off a 20-17 win for the Raiders at home.