Minnesota Vikings Regain Super Bowl Hopes In Bradford Trade
By Erik Lambert
Losing Teddy Bridgewater was a devastating blow to the 2016 hopes for the Minnesota Vikings. The only way they could rescue them is with a bold move.
That meant a trade. Sure enough GM Rick Spielman had one in mind. Its been speculated for months that the Philadelphia Eagles were approaching a divorce with quarterback Sam Bradford. This was especially true after the team gave up so much in order to get Carson Wentz in the NFL draft. Ever the opportunist, Eagles GM Howie Roseman pulled off another huge deal by sending the veteran north to the suddenly QB-starved Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings are trading for Eagles' QB Sam Bradford, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2016
Eagles have gotten significant compensation for QB Sam Bradford - don't be surprised if it's a 1st-round pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2016
The #Vikings traded a 1st round pick and more to the #Eagles for QB Sam Bradford, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2016
Source confirms: the #Vikings have traded for Sam Bradford. They gave up a 1st-round pick in 2017 and an additional pick in 2018.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2016
There is no doubt the Minnesota Vikings were going to have to pay up big time in this deal. Everybody knew they were desperate for a quarterback in order to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. The Eagles weren’t going to surrender him to a fellow NFC team without significant compensation. Roseman ended up getting exactly what he doesn’t have: a 1st round pick in 2017.
There is no doubt this was the move that had to be made for Minnesota. Bradford is a significant upgrade over Shaun Hill, but is he as good as Bridgewater? That’s up for debate. If nothing else the Vikings are back to being favorites for at least making the playoffs in 2016. Meanwhile it’s time to give Roseman some kudos for the way he’s been able to reshape the Eagles roster while not suffering too many severe shots to his draft currency in the future. No doubt the team loves having him back in charge.