NFL Trade Machine: Sam Bradford To Browns

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) spits out a sunflower seed before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The pursuit has not ended for the Cleveland Browns in their hunt to correct their Johnny Manziel blunder from 2014 and finally get their organization a credible quarterback.  Given the king’s ransom it would likely take to go up and get a Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, the team is exploring other NFL trade possibilities and one to surface recently was exchanging one of their 1st round picks for Sam Bradford.

The 27-year old quarterback was recently acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles in another deal with St. Louis that involved swapping him with Nick Foles.  It would certainly make for a rather nomadic ride for Bradford whom Chip Kelly assured was a great fit for the Eagles offense given his live arm and quick decision-making.

So what helps these two teams if such a deal were made?

How It Benefits The Browns

Sam Bradford would instantly become the most credible quarterback on the Cleveland roster.  Josh McCown is an aging veteran who was never really starter material while Manziel has little hope of regaining any good standing in the organization after crashing to the point of rehab on the heels of his rookie season.

Bradford has those two ACL tears that rightfully give pause to this idea but his upside remains high and he’s played well when able to stay on the field.  It’s a gamble, but one they can afford to take.

How It Benefits The Eagles

By acquiring that critical second 1st round pick, the Philadelphia Eagles can further what everyone has believed their mission was since the off-season began:  find the ammunition necessary to move up the board high enough to draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Kelly recruited him when he coached there and the young Heisman winner is a perfect fit for his offense with his pass-run versatility.  He represents the final piece to what Kelly views as his championship puzzle.  Having that extra 1st would enable the Eagles to avoid giving up too many future high picks.

Time will tell if this is really something the two sides are willing sign off on.

Next: Eric Rowe Scouting Report