If not Sam Bradford, then who? That is the question the Philadelphia Eagles are trying to ask themselves as they determine what the future of the quarterback position holds. The team has options in front of them, but it is hard to determine which route offers the most success. The Eagles are in win-now mode, head coach Doug Pederson made that clear in his introductory press conference. Now he must determine which quarterback fits that mold.
Most of the current players on the Eagles roster have come out and said that Bradford is the quarterback that will lead them to success in 2016. The quarterback arrived via a trade and while he did not light it up under Chip Kelly, he proved he is healthy following two ACL injuries. Now with an expiring contract, the Eagles have to determine whether or not they saw enough in Bradford to offer him a big contract or even simply keep him around for another year.
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting the Eagles will not use their franchise tag on Bradford. That would be a one-year deal with upwards of $20 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter followed that up by saying the Eagles still want to keep Bradford around, but they do not want to use the tag on him. The issue is that outside of Bradford, the Eagles do not have many options. They can hope Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brock Osweiler and Kirk Cousins become available. Robert Griffin III and Colt McCoy both have starting experience. Pederson has spent time with Chase Daniel. Outside of those options, the Eagles would have to turn to the draft if they do not keep Bradford.
The Eagles make their first pick just outside the top ten which means at least two of the three top quarterbacks could be gone by then. ESPN's Todd McShay has Jared, Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch as the highest-rated players. If the Eagles wanted one of them they might have to trade up. Philly.com reports that the rookie quarterback is not the most ideal move, but it might be the only one available. The team would try to trade up and get Goff who says he is the best man for the job.
"I think my accuracy is as good as it gets at this level," Goff said, via Peter King of The Monday Morning Quarterback. "I think my pocket presence and my ability to extend plays speak for themselves. I'm confident I'll be the best quarterback in the draft. I'm not worried about it. I'm excited about it. Whatever team I go to, I'll be excited to go. I want to be the future of a franchise. I think I can be a guy who can make an impact right away."
If the Eagles like Goff, they will have to negotiate with the Browns because they select at No.2 and a quarterback is their top target. If Philadelphia likes Wentz or Lynch, they might be able to hold at their spot, but they risk missing out on at least one of them.