The Philadelphia Eagles have Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow competing for the third string quarterback spot behind backup Mark Sanchez and starter Sam Bradford in minicamp and heading through training camp the team could consider the trade or release of either Tebow or Barkley if Bradford is healthy enough to handle a full work load for Chip Kelly.
The Eagles signed Tebow in the offseason after putting him through a workout and now he is competing with Barkley to be the third quarterback on the roster. NFL.com reports that Kelly is "very unlikely" to keep four quarterbacks on the roster and that means either Tebow or Barkley could be gone by the time the season starts. According to Pro Football Talk, Barkley was shopped on the trade block this winter, but Kelly is giving him a fair chance to win the job in camp.
The health of Bradford could be a factor when it comes to making a move with Tebow or Barkley, as Kelly will need arms in training camp and during the preseason. According to Pro Football Talk, Bradford said that he should be ready for the start of training camp and that if he is not ready "for 11 on 11 by training camp" then his recovery has "gone horribly wrong." That is some confidence from Bradford after having knee surgery last year and Kelly is hoping that Bradford can take the first team reps in camp.
Sanchez has been the top quarterback in OTA workouts and minicamp and it comes after he started for the Eagles last season. Tebow signed a one year deal worth less than $1 million and it would not be a big issue for the team to move on if he is not a good fit. The same goes for Barkley and one thing that could factor in is that Barkley was a Chip Kelly draft pick despite Howie Roseman running the draft at the time. Tebow adds more value to the roster than Barkley, but if he struggles in camp Kelly could decide to move on.
Sanchez signed back in the offseason on a two year deal and that came after he started eight games for the Eagles last season with Nick Foles injured. Sanchez is going to stay as the main backup no matter who wins the job, as he signed for $5.5 million guaranteed. The value Kelly sees in Barkley could be symbolized by last season, as Barkley threw only one pass despite Foles being out half the year. That lack of confidence is not good for Barkley and if he doesn't step up, he could be out.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News, Tebow has been "struggling" in OTA workouts and he likely needs to improve in minicamp and training camp to beat out Barkley for a roster spot. Some reports have Sanchez even getting a look as a potential starter for the Eagles if Bradford isn't ready to come back, but Kelly likely will give Bradford a leg up while he is dealing with a past knee injury. Bradford is the presumed starter for the Eagles, but if Sanchez plays well in training camp, there is a chance Kelly could consider making a switch.