2015 NFL Free Agency: Best Fits If Sam Bradford Is Cut
By Erik Lambert
Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Thus far the St. Louis Rams have insisted their priority is to have Sam Bradford return in 2015. However, his bloated rookie contract remains an unsolved issue. The two sides are trying to work something out, but nothing is guaranteed at this point. Already word has spread that a number of teams around the league would actually prefer Bradford as a starter over the top two options in the NFL draft, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.
This is a slight surprise considering Bradford is returning from his second torn ACL in less than two years. The selling point here would supposedly be that he’s still young but also experienced, having been in the league since 2010.
If that’s the case and the Rams end up cutting the 27-year old to save over $12 million in salary cap space, here are some teams that could make the move to get him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep in mind Lovie Smith got to a Super Bowl with Rex Grossman as his starting quarterback. So one can imagine he’d be perfectly happy signing Bradford and spending that precious #1 overall pick on something other than a quarterback. Perhaps an edge rusher to pair with Gerald McCoy.
Tennessee Titans
Ken Whisenhunt has a history of avoiding rookie quarterback in the high rounds. That was the case in Arizona at least. He seems to prefer veteran quarterbacks, considering he’s had the most success with them like Kurt Warner and Philip Rivers. Bradford would make a good addition and thus, like the Bucs, allow his Tennessee Titans to avoid looking at quarterbacks with the #2 overall pick.
Washington Redskins
Robert Griffin III has not worked out and the test runs with backups Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy have both met with disappointment for the Washington Redskins. Their best hope right now is to give RGIII one more chance, but that might change if they were able to bring in Bradford. He’s a much more traditional quarterback, somebody head coach Jay Gruden might prefer. A more talented Andy Dalton per say.
Chicago Bears
Yes, they still have Jay Cutler but the new Chicago Bears regime has given no indication that the enigmatic quarterback is their future anymore. Despite his bloated contract, there is every reason to believe GM Ryan Pace will explore other alternatives to begin the process of ushering Cutler out. Signing Bradford to bring legitimate competition would be a significant step.
Cleveland Browns
Johnny Manziel is in rehab. Brian Hoyer is a free agent. Basically the entire quarterback situation for the Cleveland Browns is a train wreck. Already rumors have heated up they might explore trading up for Mariota or Winston, but with over $50 million in projected cap space for 2015 NFL free agency, there is every incentive for them to go after somebody like Bradford.