Sam Bradford should end up getting some attention on the free agent market this offseason, as teams like the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers could be interested in signing the quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles remain in the mix, as Bradford could return to the team after being acquired in a trade last year.
Bradford is considered to be the top available quarterback on the free agent market this offseason, leading players like Kirk Cousins and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Cousins is expected to remain with the Washington Redskins and while the Eagles likely are planning to try and keep Bradford, there is a chance he could end up elsewhere. According to Pro Football Focus, the best destinations for Bradford in 2016 include the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
PFF rated Bradford as the 11th best quarterback in the league last season and the breakdown of his skillset and performance has those teams as the best overall fits for Bradford. Bradford missed two games while dealing with injuries last season, but overall he was relatively healthy and proved that he could last through the season after missing significant time with knee issues the previous two years. Bradford did not put up huge stats with the Eagles, but he had a strong finish to the season and that could convince some teams to push hard for him in free agency.
The Eagles are in strong position to keep Bradford if they want, as the team can use the franchise tag on the quarterback if a deal does not get done. Adam Caplan at ESPN reports that the Eagles likely will use the franchise tag on Bradford, as he would be "stunned if they get an extension done." Doug Pederson called Bradford a "top notch quarterback" in his opening press conference and while that doesn't guarantee the team will keep Bradford, they likely will try and work out a new deal.
Zach Ertz spoke about Bradford after the team announced a new extension for the tight end and he said that "wants to be in Philadelphia," according to CSN Philly. Bradford reportedly looked for a new contract around $25 million while talking with the Eagles about a long term deal during the season, but the two sides did not come close to agreeing on an extension. If Bradford goes for a deal that high, the Eagles may use the franchise tag or let him walk.
Bradford will have options if he wants to sign elsewhere, as the 49ers could target him after hiring Chip Kelly, while the Browns also are in the market for a new starter. The Jets could look at Bradford as an upgrade over bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick, while the Texans could target Bradford to step in for Brian Hoyer. The Texans used four different starters last season and want to find some continuity at the quarterback position.