“These two years are very important.”

Wow. Normally the press conferences to announce new deals and restructuring of contracts are predictably boring. Well, the one this morning to announce McNabb’s reworked final two years was a bit different.

Donovan didn’t look like he wanted to be there and even admitted he “didn’t want to do the press conference.” Frankly, the dude looked uncomfortable and slightly perturbed. Clearly he has had enough of press conferences. I wonder if his media silence will continue into training camp and the season. Would the brain trust allow him to not speak? Probably not.

It took exactly fifteen seconds to raise the “why no extension” question. Both Reid and Don sidestepped the query multiple times. That’s where the title of this post came from: “These two years are very important.” Those six words were the theme of the fifteen minute back and forth. Here are the highlights:

• The real reason for no extension is the unsettled labor situation. Will 2010 be a capped year? Will a new CBA be in place before then? Nobody knows at this point. There was no way McNabb and agent Fletcher Smith were going to ink an extension now. If for some reason the salary cap disappears (unlikely), McNabb could fetch some serious cash after 2010.

• Don did stress he will play beyond 2010 and would like to “retire as an Eagle.”

• He also denied the Michael Smith story from February about the desire for “more weapons.” Actually, he denied he said what was claimed he said by Smith. To be fair, Smith cited “unnamed sources” close to McNabb. I’m not going to rehash the whole mess, but even if McNabb did say those things, it really doesn’t matter now. He has some more cash in his wallet and the Birds had a very successful offseason.

• Despite just receiving a fat raise, he didn’t appear very happy. It took ten years, but I think he’s finally fed up with facing the media. His answers were terse and he even fired back a couple times at reporters.

• Reid called Don the “best QB in the NFL.” No comment from either Brady or Peyton.

• Donovan said in all confidence he will “be here for years to come.”

The bottom line here is the Birds did the right thing by doling out the dough. When quarterbacks like Matt Stafford, Jake Delhomme and David Garrard are making more than Don, something has to be done. I believe if he plays well and stays healthy the next two years, Don will get an extension. As long as he is the best option, he will remain an Eagle.

As far as the “These two years are important” statement goes. Well, they are important — very important. The current roster is as loaded as its ever been. The next 2-3 years will provide a legitimate shot at winning a Super Bowl. A happy signal caller makes it easier to make a run.

What happens after 2010 is still unknown. But as Don said, “That will take care of itself.” He’s right. It will.

Follow ITI on Twitter