When PFW spoke to Redskins QB Donovan McNabb in June, he mostly sidestepped questions about his contract, which runs out after this season, but said he was not concerned about getting a new deal done. This past week, he reaffirmed those thoughts to the media. Sources we talked to believe that a deal will be done with McNabb at some point this season, but not until the real games are under way. Although Mike Shanahan and Co. believe they finally have the leader and performer at the position they need, they know the proof is in the pudding and they want to see how McNabb performs early in the season. One source believes the framework for a deal already could be in place in the Redskins' minds — basic parameters in terms of years and ballpark money — and that a formal contract could be offered some time in the first month or two of the regular season. A poor start could hinder that, but both sides appear comfortable something will happen.

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