Sam Bradford is one of the top free agent players on the market this offseason and teams like the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers could be interested in signing the quarterback if he does not return to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bradford is the top available quarterback hitting the market along with Kirk Cousins and Ryan Fitzpatrick and that could make him a popular target for teams that are looking to make a change at the position. Cousins is expected to remain with the Washington Redskins and that could put the focus on Bradford once free agency starts. According to ESPN.com, Adam Caplan reports that the Eagles are interested in keeping Bradford and that the team could use the franchise tag on the quarterback if a new deal is not reached.
Caplan spoke about the situation on 97.5 The Fanatic and said that it could be "extremely difficult to go past one year" and that could lead the team to use the franchise tag. Jim Trotter at ESPN reported earlier in the month that Bradford asked for around $25 million during the season while talking a long term contract, but the sides never came close to getting a deal done. Chip Kelly pulled off the trade for Bradford and now that Doug Pederson is taking over, there is a chance that the Eagles could go in a different direction at the position.
Pederson called Bradford a "top notch quarterback" at his first press conference for the Eagles and it's likely that the team will at least try to bring back Bradford on a new deal. Zach Ertz spoke about Bradford to the media after the team announced a five year extension with the tight end and Ertz said that Bradford "wants to be in Philadelphia." According to Pro Football Focus, the "best landing spots" for Bradford include the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Houston Texans along with the Eagles.
PFF had Bradford rated as the 11th best quarterback in the league last season and the website writes that those teams listed above are the best fits for Bradford and his skillset. Chip Kelly is now with the 49ers and could look at bringing in Bradford after trading for him last season, while the Browns appear ready to move on from Johnny Manziel. The team was reportedly interested in trading for Bradford last year and could try and sign him now.
The Jets are likely going to consider bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick after the solid season he just had, but Bradford could be looked at as a step up at the position. The Texans used four different starters last season and the team is determined to bring in some more competition for Brian Hoyer. Bradford could be an option to take over as starter for Bill O'Brien and throwing to DeAndre Hopkins could be very appealing. Overall, Bradford did not have a huge season for the Eagles, but he had a strong second half, finishing with 10 touchdowns with just four interceptions from Week 9 on, and threw for 1,061 yards in his final three games.
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