Most NFL teams out there are busy trying to find one quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles are on the verge of having three. Well, actually that number is probably closer to two given some recent developments.
Last year's starter, Sam Bradford, has formally requested a trade from the Eagles and has informed the team that he will not be present for the remainder of the offseason program. Philadelphia re-signed him to a two-year deal worth $35 million, with $22 million guaranteed, earlier this offseason. However, the Eagles can get out of the deal with relative financial ease after one season. Many thought it was odd that the Eagles would give Bradford such a large chunk of guaranteed money given his injury history and inconsistent play. That sentiment only grew when Philly signed Chase Daniel to a three-year deal worth $21 million, with $12 million in guaranteed money, which is elite money for a backup.
The general consensus swung completely in favor of this emerging narrative when the Eagles made the bold move to trade up with the Cleveland Browns for the No. 2 draft pick and the right to likely select North Dakota State's Carson Wentz. The abundance of quarterback building that General Manager Howie Roseman and new Head Coach Doug Pederson were doing obviously didn't sit well with Bradford.
The former No. 1 overall pick is "mad and wants to show everyone who's best," according to a recent report.
While Philly's strategy is undoubtedly odd, it's not as if Bradford applied a strong grip to the starting gig with his play last season. The 28-year-old QB missed two games due to injury, the fourth time he's been sidelined by physical ailments in his career, and didn't exactly stuff the stat sheet. He completed 65 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,725 yards with 19 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Philadelphia ranked in the top half of the league in yards and points per game, but Bradford was really only effective in brief spurts.
Expect QB-needy teams such as the Denver Broncos and New York Jets to come calling. We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby.
