It has been well-documented that the Philadelphia Eagles have questions at the quarterback position. The team has Sam Bradford on an expiring contract while the rest of the market remains weak in both free agency and the NFL Draft. With Bradford's price demands getting higher, the Eagles are faced with the decision of simply paying the quarterback or searching for other options. Could a return of a familiar face be an option?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles have shown interest in bringing Nick Foles back. The quarterback was traded from the Eagles in the deal to acquire Bradford. The Rams then signed him to a new contract. After having very little success in St. Louis, Foles is back on the chopping block and could be released prior to his $6 million roster bonus being owed. Schefter believes the Eagles would make a move to bring back Foles should get get cut from the Rams. Head coach Doug Pederson has experience with the quarterback who would come much cheaper than Bradford.
However, that interest might not be as high as originally reported. Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer countered the report saying that the Eagles were not interested in bringing Foles back and right now regardless of whether or not he was released from the team. Berman writes that Bradford still remains in the picture as of now while the team looks at the contract situation.
Determining what to do with Bradford is not easy for Philadelphia. Reports surfaced saying the quarterback originally requested $25 million from the team. That is not happening, but even dropping that price to $20 million might be overpaying for the quarterback who certainly left a lot to be desired last year. The issue is that there are really no other options outside of Bradford. Yes, the Eagles could consider a trade for Colin Kaepernick or hope that Ryan Fitzpatrick hits the open market with the Jets, but neither of those options are guaranteed. The NFL Draft offers little hope either as the Eagles would have to hope someone like Carson Wentz or Paxton Lynch develop into something better than they are predicted to be.
In Schefter's report, he says the Eagles are not likely to use their franchise tag on Bradford. If that is true, the team might not be able to retain him. The best decision for the Eagles could be to use that tag and then wait until next year to make a real decision. The Eagles could either sign Bradford to a long-term extension or try to chase someone like Deshaun Watson or Baker Mayfield who are predicted to have high NFL value heading into the draft.
