The Philadelphia Eagles could look at Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch or Connor Cook in the NFL draft this year if Sam Bradford doesn't return in free agency. Bradford is a target for the Eagles, but reports have the team considering letting the quarterback walk if they can get a "legit" prospect in the draft.
The Eagles hired Doug Pederson to take over for Chip Kelly this offseason and while the new head coach has praised Bradford in the media, there is a chance he may want to draft and develop a quarterback for the future. Bradford was acquired by Kelly and the Eagles for Nick Foles and according to ESPN Eagles reporter Phil Sheridan, there is a chance the team could let Bradford walk. Sheridan reports that if the team thinks they can get a "legit quarterback" this year, Bradford could be allowed to sign elsewhere.
NJ Advance Media reports that Pederson said that Bradford would "love" to re-sign with the Eagles and that sentiment was echoed by Zach Ertz, who told CSN Philly that Bradford wants to stay. Even if Bradford does want to stay, there is a chance his contract demands could be too high compared to what the Eagles want to spend. Earlier in the season reports came out that Bradford was looking for $25 million per season on an extension and that is one reason why the two sides did not come close to a deal.
Adam Caplan at ESPN said last month that he thinks the Eagles could consider using the franchise tag on Bradford, as a long term deal is unlikely at this point. If the Eagles do move on from Bradford, there is a chance they go after a quarterback in the draft. The quarterback class for 2016 is considered a deep one and players like Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg and Kevin Hogan could be available for the Eagles when they pick at number 13.
Jared Goff is also part of this draft class, but he is expected to be drafted within the top five and that would mean the Eagles would have to trade up to get him. Sheridan writes that the Eagles "can let Bradford walk in free agency" if "they're convinced they can get a legit quarterback in the draft" and that the team also can "use the franchise tag or negotiate a long-term contract with him in order to keep him."
Bradford had an up and down season with the Eagles, throwing for 19 touchdowns and 14 picks, but he finished strong with 10 touchdowns over his last seven games. Wentz has been generating a lot of buzz coming out of the Senior Bowl and he could end up going in the top 10 if his draft workouts go well. The Eagles should have a chance to draft Lynch or Cook at number 13 if they don't trade up.
