Sam Bradford is now the Philadelphia Eagles' biggest priority in the offseason following the hiring of Doug Pederson. The quarterback underwhelmed in 2015 in Chip Kelly's system, but he did prove that he was healthy and could still compete in the NFL which means he will be a target on the free agent market. Given the weakness of the quarterback market this offseason, the Eagles need to bring Bradford, but it might not be possible.
Spotrac.com is reporting that Bradford's projected worth in his next contract is $18.7 million. That would put him at No.12 in terms of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Bradford is going to want to get all of that money he is predicted to be worth. According to MMQB.com's Peter King, Bradford has an agent that wants to get his client the most money possible. That will put the Eagles in a tough position, knowing they need to bring him back.
According to Philly.com, the coaching decision will impact Bradford's decision on whether or not to return to Philadelphia. Was Pederson the hire that will please him? Many speculate the return of Pat Shurmur could make or break the call from Bradford. That means there is still a real chance that the quarterback heads elsewhere in 2016 which leaves the Eagles with Mark Sanchez and a lot of questions. Who could the team bring in to replace him?
If Bradford leaves, the Eagles will have to turn to the draft for their quarterback while hoping Mark Sanchez can improve. Philadelphia is not going to make a run at Robert Griffin III or Johnny Manziel. In terms of quarterbacks already in the NFL, they could turn to trades for backups like Zach Mettenberger or Blaine Gabbert who has shown signs of being able to be a starting quarterback along with Mike Glennon. They could make a run at Colin Kaepernick, but he might not be the right fit. Of course the Eagles could hope Kirk Cousins becomes a free agent, but all signs point to the NFL Draft.
The Eagles will draft at No.13 in the first round. They do not have a second-round pick thanks to the trade of Bradford. If the Eagles cannot bring back the quarterback, they must use that spot for a quarterback. Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz are the best available. Someone will go to Cleveland at No.2. The 49ers could take one. The Ravens could also be an option for someone. The Eagles will have a chance at a top option.
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, none of the quarterbacks are home run hits this season. They might not be ready to carry a franchise in their first year. The talent dropoff is also not overly steep between the top three options and players like Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg who could be found in the third round of the draft. The Eagles could select another in the first round and wait to address quarterback needs in the third or fourth rounds. While it might not thrill most Eagles fans, Bradford is expected to be the top priority. A rookie quarterback is Plan B.
