With the 2016 NFL Draft a mere 23 days away, it's officially silly season for rumors and reports. Now, that's not to say that every NFL draft rumor that peeks its head out this time of year is wrong or baseless - in fact, more than a few of them are likely accurate or, at the very least, partially based in reality. But when you're a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, sitting near the bottom of the top-10 with a new regime likely looking to get themselves started off on the right foot, you're in prime position to become the focus of draft rumor fodder.
As such, it's not surprising to hear and see talk continue to build that the Eagles are enamored with at least one, if not both, of the top quarterbacks available in the 2016 NFL Draft - NDSU's Carson Wentz and Cal's Jared Goff.
Per the most recent report, new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson "loves" Wentz and is willing to make a move up the board on April 28 in order to ensure Philly lands him.
The logic here is sound - Bradford's deal is for just two years. And when you take a closer look at the number, it's really a glorified one-year deal with a team option for year two. Daniel was given a hefty chunk of change to come to Philly and operate as the seasoned backup and something like another quarterback coach who also has enough ability to start if need-be.
Pederson has also spoken openly in the past of wanting his own guy - someone he can draft and develop and grow with.
Wentz, widely considered a supremely talented prospect who probably needs a year or two on the bench before he's ready to start, would seem a perfect fit as the clipboard holder for the 2016 season and, depending on his growth and Bradford's play, possibly 2017 as well.
Really, anyone suggesting the Eagles won't be willing to trade up for a quarterback is either shortsighted or simply believes that Wentz and/or Goff aren't worth it. And that's fine. They may not be.
But if Pederson is enamored with either, and this particular report suggests its Wentz - which isn't the first time we've heard that - then don't be surprised if the Eagles and risk-taking GM/not GM Howie Roseman make a play for one of the top selections in the draft.
Despite the money going to Bradford and Daniel, the Eagles are perfectly positioned to add a young quarterback.
The flip side, of course, is that it won't be cheap. And with holes elsewhere on the roster, the Eagles would probably be forfeiting several opportunities to add talent were they to trade up, because you can be certain the jump from No. 8 to No. 1 or No. 2 means the investment of a number of draft picks, now and in future drafts.
If the price is too hefty, even Roseman won't be able to justify it. But if Pederson believes Wentz can be a high-level starter for the next decade, the Eagles will certainly have to at least give serious consideration to a trade up.
