The Philadelphia Eagles are adhering to a curious roster-building strategy that includes guaranteeing almost $30 million to quarterbacks in 2016. Incumbent starter Sam Bradford signed a two-year deal this offseason while Philly also signed backup Chase Daniel and moved up to the No. 2 slot to select Carson Wentz. The rookie quarterback's arrival all but guarantees that Bradford will be a lame-duck starter this season, which is why he requested a trade two weeks ago.
But with Philly taking a firm stance and potential landing spots dwindling by the day, it became clear pretty quickly that Bradford wasn't going anywhere. He must have realized this as he has officially re-joined the Eagles.
Bradford has rescinded his trade demand and is training with the team today.
"I'm very excited to be back on the field with my teammates and coaches," Bradford said in a statement. "The business-side of football is sometimes a necessary consideration. My attention and efforts are focused on the participation in and preparation for a championship season. I am committed to my teammates and the Eagles organization for nothing less."
Bradford reportedly informed coaches via text that he would be re-joining the team on Monday after not answering messages over the last two weeks. The veteran is scheduled to make $35 million over the course of his two-year deal.
Bradford's agent Tom Condon had suggested that Bradford would not be present for any of the team's voluntary workouts or organized team activities until mandatory June minicamp. But Bradford is with the team now, and Condon said he is committed to playing for the Eagles in 2016.
Under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, Bradford cannot be punished for missing voluntary workouts. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who is playing on a one-year team option while he angles for a new long-term deal, has also missed Philly's voluntary offseason program so far.
Head coach Doug Pederson has maintained that Bradford is his starter for 2016, even after drafting Wentz. Pederson did admit, however, that Bradford was missing "valuable time" by staying away from the team's complex.
Bradford started 14 games for the Eagles last year, going 7-7 and completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,725 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
