As further proof that a trade of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has become inevitable, the Associated Press reports that the team will consider only an offer than includes a pick among the top 42 in the 2010 draft.

It’s unclear why or how 42 became the cutoff point, especially since the 42nd selection, held by the Buccaneers, falls 10 picks into round two.

Under the official draft order, the Bills own the 41st pick, the Raiders have the 39th selection, the Browns hold the 38th pick, and the Redskins possess the 37th pick. (We’d be shocked if the Eagles would be willing to trade McNabb within the division, and there’s no indication that the Redskins would want him. But, you know, Jason Campbell and Rex Grossman.)

It previously was believed that the Eagles wanted at least a first-round pick, possibly more. But with no one offering a first-round pick three weeks into the 2010 league year, the Eagles have had to relax their expectations.

Now that the cat is fully out of the bag, the Eagles might have to relax their expectations even further.