Eagles, Bradford Stall Contract Talks
After months of contract negotiations, the Philadelphia Eagles and Sam Bradford have decided to hold-off on talks during the season. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Bradford’s agent raised their asking price after the quarterback’s highly successful preseason showing. Head Coach/GM Chip Kelly was reportedly looking to lock-up Bradford to a short-term low risk, high reward type of deal, but the quarterback will be betting on himself. Kelly clearly wants to get a deal done with Bradford, considering the team most likely loose the conditional second round pick sent to St. Louis this offseason. Neither side will reportedly re-engage the talks until after the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Source says #Eagles no longer engaged with Sam Bradford in attempt negotiate short-term extension. His preseason success changed dynamics
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 9, 2015
The Eagles have recently completed multiple contract extensions heading into the season, primarily on the offensive line. The team’s new starting right guard Andrew Gardner received a three year contract extension earlier this week, while back-up tackle Dennis Kelly received a one year extension to his contract. Chip Kelly is reportedly trying to get a basis of what next years team-cap hit will be and is trying to get as many terminating contracts redone before the season ends. Last month, he signed former second round pick Mychal Kendricks to a large extension despite the trade clouds surrounding the linebacker.
Chip says the deals for Gardner, Kelly are happening now bc #Eagles want to try to limit FAs next offseason
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) September 9, 2015
Looking towards the 2016 offseason, the team will have a couple big fish to keep in on the line. Besides Bradford, safety Walter Thurmond could be an interesting case. He’s a veteran presence in the locker room and in a young secondary. Depending on how he performs and works with young players like Eric Rowe and EJ Biggers, he could be in for a large pay-day.
Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Connor Barwin (98) loses his helmet as he and defensive end Fletcher Cox (91), defensive end Vinny Curry (75) and inside linebacker Emmanuel Acho (51) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Most importantly might be defensive end Cedric Thornton. While not widely known to many casual fans, Thornton is a stud defensive end next to Bennie Logan and creates a dynamic threat with Fletcher Cox on the other side. Many analysts believe the three combine to be the best defensive line in the NFL. Looking forward, former first round pick Cox will be getting a very large extension, which could range near the top five in the NFL at his position. All of this makes getting Sam Bradford under a reasonable deal even more critical for Chip Kelly.