Jim McMahon says he's not appreciated.
The Eagles quarterback was in town Tuesday for a checkup on his right elbow, repaired by surgery, and took the opportunity to comment on his contract talks."They've had me cheap for two years, and verbally they said they were going to take care of me in the middle of last year, after knowing what was wrong with my arm," said the former Brigham Young University standout.
"And what they've offered me isn't really taking care of me. I've already been offered more money from someplace else. But I'd rather be here."
McMahon, despite numerous injuries, led the Eagles to a 10-6 record after Randall Cunningham injured a knee in the first game.
McMahon was paid $575,000 in base salary and $500,000 in performance bonuses and is asking for a base of $1.2 million, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.
"I know the staff and the players want me here, but . . . other than them, I don't know," McMahon said. "I'd love to be back here. This team's got a good chance of going to the big one."
Eagles president Harry Gamble told the Daily News, "We paid him good money plus substantial money in incentives he earned last year, and we made it clear that we want him."
Coach Rich Kotite said he planned to have four quarterbacks on the roster, with Cunningham and draft pick Casey Weldon of Florida State set.
That leaves five others for two spots: McMahon, backups Jeff Kemp and David Archer (ex of Snow College), second-year backup Brad Goebel and rookie Peter Graham of Notre Dame.
Archer was named most valuable player in the regular season and playoffs of the World League of American Football for leading Sacramento to the title.