Sam Bradford's future was in question before he got injured. The quarterback has showed signs of success, but has yet to really make a leap to the next level with the St. Louis Rams. After suffering a season-ending ACL tear last season, Bradford looked good as gone despite endorsements from the Rams front office. However as the NFL Draft grows closer, could Bradford be trade bait?
There is no confirmation that the St. Louis Rams are targeting a trade of Bradford, but CBSSports.com writer Jason La Canfora reports that the quarterback's future is serious question especially with the Rams in possession of the No. 2 pick. The Rams currently hold that pick and the No. 13 pick. The team is also reportedly interested in trading up from No. 13 to possibly No. 8 in order to load up in the first round. The Rams could easily draft a quarterback and wide receiver in the top 10 or get Jadeveon Clowney. They have options and trading Bradford could get them more.
La Canfora reports that many NFL scouts believe the market value for Bradford would be high. He has the potential to develop into an elite player and his contract is a favorable pickup. The quarterback has two years and $27 million left on his deal with almost all of his $50 million in guaranteed money already in his wallet. That makes him an easy salary cap hit. With the strength in position players in this year's draft, many quarterbacks will drop leaving the Rams poised to get someone strong to replace Bradford if they made a move.
Again, the Rams are not shopping Bradford. The front office and head coach Jeff Fisher have been very vocal that Bradford is their quarterback for the upcoming. However, the team is not thinking about picking up his option on his contract, likely because of the knee injury. Right now, Bradford's stock is still relatively high, so a trade could be a good plan for the Rams, but again, is not something they appear to be actively seeking.
Several teams could be very interested in Bradford given the uncertainty around several projected first-round quarterbacks. The Minnesota Vikings need a quarterback, but do not appear sold on Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles. Mike Zimmer comments of doubt regarding the elite potential of both quarterbacks which could lead them to seek a trade.
The Cleveland Browns would immediately be a favorite to get Bradford. The team is loaded with two first-round draft picks, so they have leverage to make a deal. The Browns have looked into deals for both Ryan Mallett and Kirk Cousins, both of which have been denied. Getting Bradford, a proven starter, and then a quarterback in a later round might set the Browns on the path to stability rather than drafting a rookie in the first round.
To state one more time, Bradford is not being shopped before or even after the NFL Draft. However, the Rams would be wise to consider the move. The team has several pieces that might push them to the postseason and few more moves might make them elite. Bradford may or may not be part of that plan.
