The Cleveland Browns have not yet given up hope of acquiring quarterback Sam Bradford via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a new report from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Despite a recent report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the Eagles didn't acquire Bradford just to flip him, the Browns remain undeterred.
Still, per Cabot, a deal is unlikely to be consummated.
"I'm hearing the Browns would still like to acquire him, but it's not likely to happen. Bradford is represented by Tom Condon, who represented two former Browns first-round quarterbacks: Tim Couch and Brady Quinn.
"When Mike Holmgren wanted to conduct a private workout with Bradford in 2010, he was turned down, a source said. Condon has not had good experiences with his quarterbacks in Cleveland, and likely doesn't want Bradford to end up here. What's more, there's still some tension between the Browns and Condon after Cleveland recently thought they had a deal with him for Jordan Cameron, who ultimately signed with Miami instead."
Mortensen tweeted on Monday that the Eagles traded for Bradford because Kelly wanted him as the face of the franchise, not because he was then to be dealt for Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Bradford, unsurprisingly, has stated that he wants to play for Kelly and Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who helped oversee Bradford's Rookie of the Year season in 2010.
For the Browns, the notion that the franchise could be missing out on a potential long-term starter at quarterback because of a chilly relationship with an agent just seems to point to the allegedly dysfunctional, "toxic" culture fostered by owner Jimmy Haslam.
Considering Bradford's injury history and overall struggles it's very possible that Farmer's inability to acquire him could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Then again, unless the franchise truly believes in Josh McCown or the recently rehabbed Johnny Manziel, major changes need to be made at the signal-caller position in Cleveland.
Bradford may not have been the answer, but he would have been an upgrade on what's already in place for the Browns.
