The Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback situation is one of the top storylines to watch this NFL offseason as the team decides what to do with Sam Bradford. At this point it is anyone's guess what the Eagles have planned for the situation as rumors continue to fly. ESPN's Adam Schefter is now adding to the mix saying the Eagles have no plans on using the franchise tag on Bradford and will explore other options.
Schefter reported that Bradford would not get the franchise tag move and would instead be able to test the market where any team can sign him. The NFL Insider then reported that the Eagles were aiming for a Nick Foles reunion something the Philadelphia Inquirer denied being true. Eagles' vice president Howie Roseman told the media that the franchise tag is still on the table for Bradford if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on a long-term deal, but the team could also explore other options.
Peter King of MMQB.com reported the Eagles as a team who could potentially chase Brock Osweiler. While the Denver Broncos intend to keep the backup quarterback with Peyton Manning heading elsewhere, other teams view him as a valuable option as well. The same can be said for Ryan Fitzpatrick. While the New York Jets plan to have him as their starting quarterback in 2016, they will not use a franchise tag on him meaning other teams can swoop in. If the Eagles do not want Bradford, but they want someone with experience, those could be the best available options.
Then there is the draft. ESPN's Todd McShay has been quick to say that while Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz are the highest-rated options in the draft, there is no guarantee they are ready to lead a team Week 1. There is a big risk with drafting any of the rookies. The Eagles will make their first selection at No.13. They do not have a second-round pick. That means if they are going to draft a quarterback it must be in the first round. At that spot they will get one of the top three options, but are they the best player to start in 2016?
While it seemed like a guarantee that Bradford would be back with the Eagles, that is no longer the case. Head coach Doug Pederson has endorsed his future with the franchise, but the Eagles are going to be careful with the move they make. The players have stated they want Bradford back, but Philadelphia has no plans on over-spending to guarantee his return.
