Arizona Cardinals: Sam Bradford, Mike Glennon, Tyrann Mathieu Transaction Grades
The Arizona Cardinals put pen to paper with veteran quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon. The team also opted to part ways with talented safety Tyrann Mathieu.
After former starting quarterback Carson Palmer retired after this past season, the Arizona Cardinals were left with a huge void at the game’s most important position.
To solve that opening, Arizona decided to sign not one but two signal-callers early on in free agency. The team signed former number one overall pick Sam Bradford and journeyman Mike Glennon.
Bradford’s deal is worth $20 million for one season ($15 million guaranteed) and also has a $20 million option for the year after. Glennon will receive $8 million over 2 years.
Grading the Bradford Signing
After suffering a knee injury with the Minnesota Vikings early on last season, Bradford ceded the job to Case Keenum, who had an MVP-caliber campaign and cashed in with the Denver Broncos.
Bradford has shown no ability to stay healthy at the NFL level, as he has only played in all 16 regular season games twice since he was drafted in 2010. He has torn the same ACL twice, costing him two entire seasons.
Injuries aside, Bradford has shown competent flashes in his career during his time in St. Louis, Philadelphia and Minnesota. However, his career 62.5 percent completion rate and 85.1 passer rating are not worth anywhere near $20 million, especially not $15 guaranteed.
If Keenum only garnered $18 million per season after an MVP-like year and an NFC Championship appearance, one has to wonder why Bradford earned $20 million with no comparable accolades.
All in all, Arizona could’ve gotten a much better quarterback for a significantly smaller price tag through the draft or even in free agency.