Things haven't quite gone as expected for the Philadelphia Eagles this year.
During the offseason, head coach Chip Kelly swung a big trade when he sent the serviceable Nick Foles and a second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams for oft-injured quarterback Sam Bradford. Though Foles has floundered badly in his new digs, Bradford's inconsistent play and injuries have capped Philly all season. The Eagles will miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
So will Bradford, scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency after the season, return to the team in 2016? Kelly has repeatedly expressed his belief in Bradford long-term and reiterated his convictions Monday morning.
"We certainly want Sam back and we'll try to do everything we can to get him here," Kelly told 94.1 WIP. Before that can happen, however, the team must start in on contract negotiations with Bradford. Kelly noted "that always happens after the season."
The Eagles took a dramatic step back on offense this season under Bradford. The team finished 2014 fifth in yards per game (396.8) and third in points (29.3). This season, they sit at No. 15 (359.7) and No. 16 (22.8), respectively. On the season, Bradford is completing 64.0 percent of his passes and has thrown for 3,405 yards with 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 13 games. Some have suggested that Kelly's system would work better with a more mobile option under center.
For what it's worth, Bradford said after Saturday's loss to the Washington Redskins that he wishes to return to the Eagles, but noted, "that's not my choice." We'll see how it all plays out when the offseason rolls around.
