Report: Bradford Likely To Ask For Trade Out Of Philly

Upset by the Eagles’ decision to move up in the draft for a quarterback, Sam Bradford is looking to cut ties with Philly according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report.

“I’ve talked to a source who said it’s likely that Bradford is going to ask for a trade at some point in time, or some way to get out of Philadelphia so that he can move on with his career somewhere else with a team that is going to be invested in him long-term. That’s the kind of solution that Bradford is looking at at this point in time.

“The question for Bradford is whether he’s willing to take some kind of pay cut to make that happen. He has $11 million he’s been paid already by the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the two-year deal that he signed before the start of free agency.”

Adam Schefter reported that Bradford was “hot” over the news that the Eagles were moving up to 2 to select a potential franchise quarterback — most likely Carson Wentz.

“Who wouldn’t be?” the source said, per Schefter. “This is Philly saying, ‘We don’t see (you) as long-term answer.’ He’s mad and wants to show everyone who’s best.’’

While his reported reaction is understandable to a degree — of course a quarterback is going to want full front-office support and commitment —  it’s a move that he absolutely should have seen coming. The Eagles have been very up front about their desire to draft a quarterback; even left a locker stall empty next to Bradford and Chase Daniel with the intent on filling it at the end of the month. What’s more, they agreed to a contract with Bradford that allowed them to cut ties after one season. Add in the multitude of reports about the team’s efforts to move up for a QB, and all the signs were there.

If he didn’t want to be in this type of situation, he should have made that decision before signing on the dotted line. It’s a little too late to change courses now. For one, there are financial roadblocks that the team would need to overcome.

Sam Bradford #Eagles Dead $
Trade Pre 6/1: $11M
Cut Pre 6/1: $18M
Trade Post 6/1: $5.5M in 16 & 17
Cut Post 6/1: $12.5M in 16, $5.5M in 17

— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 20, 2016

And even if they could find 1) a way around those roadblocks and 2) a team willing to give them decent compensation, there’s this little fact: the Eagles plan to use him as their starting quarterback this season and do not have interest in trading him, as Howie Roseman stated plainly on Wednesday.

A move like the one the Eagles made is bound to ruffle some feathers. Whether it impacts the team environment in a meaningful way falls on how the the coaches and players handle the situation.

Bradford isn’t happy, and that’s no surprise. But it’s best for everyone that cooler heads prevail, because it seems very likely that team and quarterback will be paired together for at least one more year.