The Cleveland Browns have reportedly been interested in a Sam Bradford trade this offseason and if the team explores a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles before the draft, the Eagles could look art trying to move up with the Tennessee Titans to get Marcus Mariota for Chip Kelly.
The Eagles and Browns are among a number of teams that have reported interest in Mariota and the draft is less than two weeks away. Mariota is getting the most attention among players in the top 10, as most draft experts expect the Buccaneers to take Jameis Winston at number one. According to Pro Football Talk, the San Diego Chargers are interested in Mariota along with the NY Jets and Chicago Bears.
The Browns have been mentioned as an option for Mariota all offseason and they have also been linked to other quarterbacks. While the team has Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown, Ray Farmer said that the team will not shy away from quarterbacks in the draft. Mariota is a potential option, but ESPN.com's Adam Caplan reported earlier in the offseason that the team was interested in Bradford.
If the Browns continue down that path, the team could try and work out a deal with the Eagles, as Philly reportedly is interested in going after Mariota. Chip Kelly has said multiple times that Sam Bradford is not a trade chip and that the team will not "mortgage" their draft for one player, but Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk writes that the rumors will not go away. Florio added that many coaches and people around the league are "convinced" that Kelly will go after Mariota in the draft.
The Eagles have been one of the most active teams in the league this offseason and they have added to the QB position once again, signing Tim Tebow to a contract. The Eagles also traded away Nick Foles for Bradford and signed back Mark Sanchez. According to ESPN, Matt Barkley is on the trade block and after signing Tebow, there is a chance that Barkley could be cut. The Eagles would love to get any draft pick for Barkley, but at this point a release is more likely.
The Browns have Manziel coming out of rehab and his future is uncertain, while McCown was only looked at as a bridge quarterback at best. The team is in good position to move up in the draft, as the Browns have two first round picks. Speaking of those picks, Florio has also reported on a potential trade the Eagles could look at with Cleveland in the hopes of getting Mariota.
Florio writes that a "three-way" trade with three teams could be the solution, with the Eagles and Browns dealing and another team waiting in the wings for picks. That team likely would be the Titans, as they have the number two overall pick. Florio writes that as long as Bradford is not signed to an extension, he is "vulnerable" to a trade and the Eagles could consider the move if it means getting Mariota, who Kelly coached in college. Many see Mariota as a "perfect" fit for Kelly' system and after all his moves this offseason, this could be the biggest one.
Check here for more from SB Nation on the potential of a Bradford trade.