Sam Bradford has rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles after a two week holdout. Though he's back with the team, his status with Philly was far from a sure thing following the 2016 NFL Draft. With the Eagles trading up to the No. 2 slot and picking quarterback Carson Wetnz, Bradford wanted to avoid being a lame duck QB and requested a trade. With a total of $46 million invested in the QB position for the 2016 season, some thought that the Eagles would grant him his wish.
The Denver Broncos, who are unsettled under center, debated whether or not acquiring Bradford would be a good move. Ultimately, they decided against pursuing the veteran signal-caller after hearing Philly's sky-high asking price. Denver is now set to head into the 2016 season with Mark Sanchez, 2015 seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian and 2016 first-rounder Paxton Lynch under center.
But Bradford's agent Tom Condon did reveal that he was pushing for a trade to Denver behind the scenes.
"We thought we had a chance to go to a really good football team and be there for a long time," Condon said on The Rich Eisen Show. "That opportunity was there and the attempt was made. When the Broncos contacted the Eagles and talked about the trade, they couldn't agree on a price. At that point our options are pretty limited. So, our next best option is to go back and prepare for the season."
Bradford is now willing to toe the company line, but should Wentz develop as hoped, it's doubtful that Bradford will be on the roster beyond this season. The two-year, $35 million deal Bradford signed earlier this offseason calls for the majority of the guaranteed money to be paid in 2016. It would be simple for the team to get out of the contract next year if they so choose.
The 28-year-old completed 65.0 percent of his passes last season while throwing for 3,725 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In the years in which he has played at least 10 games, Bradford has never posted a passer rating higher than last year's 86.4, which ranked 26th in the NFL.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
