Why the Philadelphia Eagles Got Sam Bradford
By Erik Lambert
Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
No doubt the questions are flying fast and furious following one of the craziest five-minute sequences in NFL history. It was all started when the Philadelphia Eagles announced they had traded Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford and an undisclosed draft pick.
Eagles acquire QB Sam Bradford and a 2015 fifth-round pick for Rams QB Nick Foles, a 2015 sixth-rounder and a 2016 second-rounder.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 10, 2015
Of course Eagles fans are wanting to know what in the world is Chip Kelly thinking by making this deal. Sure the extra draft pick is nice but what does Bradford have over Foles in terms of value? Here are some reasons why the Eagles likely made this trade.
Talent
It’s important not to forget that Bradford is still a talented player. He was the 1st overall pick in 2010 for a reason. He’s big, strong and can deliver passes with velocity and accuracy. What has held him back is a series of scheme changes in St. Louis and two rather unfortunate ACL injuries. Age is not a factor and every other part of his body is functioning perfectly.
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Scheme Fit
This is something a lot of people don’t realize. Bradford came out of college at Oklahoma where he ran a dynamic spread offense. During his time with the Sooners he racked up 8,403 passing yards, 88 touchdown passes and just 16 interceptions. His ability to operate in shotgun and be quick and decisive with his throws are tailor-made to play in the Kelly system. Conversely, that style will help keep Bradford from taking too many hits.
Cheaper Than Marcus Mariota
Let’s face it. One way or another it’s going to take a kings’ ransom for Chip Kelly to get his guy from Oregon, Marcus Mariota. That means multiple 1st, 2nd and maybe even 3rd round picks. Packaging Sam Bradford in the deal might soften the blow, but not as much as people might think. Especially with those two knee injuries on his record. Do the Jets or Titans feel they can build their futures around him?
It’s a lot to ask. The Eagles have done a lot to protect themselves against the injury concern and the potential payoff is huge.
Condition to Foles/Bradford deal ... If Bradford doesn't start 8 games, Eagles get a 4th round pick back. If he's reinjured, they get a 3..
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 10, 2015
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They do indeed intend to go after Mariota
At least one person in Philadelphia believes this development may just slightly enhance the chances of the Eagles making a run at Mariota in the coming NFL draft. Paul Domowitch of Philly.com writes:
"“That means Kelly now has three picks in the first two rounds, along with a quarterback who is entering the final year of The Last Great Rookie Contract –six years, $78 million, $50 million guaranteed – which he received as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft. With two of the first 41 picks and three of the first 50, Kelly has some trade-up leverage. He also has a veteran quarterback with pedigree who, even with injury history, probably has more trade appeal than Foles.” It’s an interesting idea but one that needs a lot of dominoes to fall in their favor, like having a team in the top 10 interested in taking on Bradford’s contract and knee concerns. Even if the pot is sweetened with extra draft picks."
Is one player really worth this much effort?