PHILADELPHIA (March 11, 2005) -- Free agent quarterback Mike McMahon signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and will compete with Koy Detmer for the backup job behind Donovan McNabb.
"If something were to happen to Donovan, then I would have the chance to get some playing time," McMahon said. "They expressed confidence in me to go out and win games if I'm on the field."
Detmer has been McNabb's backup for the last five seasons and also serves as the holder for Pro Bowl kicker David Akers.
McMahon threw for 1,709 yards, 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in four seasons with the Detroit Lions. He also is mobile, having rushed for 291 yards and four TDs on 48 carries.
McMahon started seven games in his first two seasons with the Lions under then-coach Marty Mornhinweg, who now serves as an assistant for the Eagles. Last season, McMahon appeared in one game, relieving starter Joey Harrington in the third quarter against Indianapolis and going 11-of-15 for 77 yards in a 41-9 loss.
