The Philadelphia Eagles have a new head coach in Doug Pederson and this offseason the main priority for the team will be the quarterback position, as Sam Bradford could potentially leave as a free agent. The Eagles are likely going to try to re-sign Bradford, but if that doesn't work out, the team could look at other free agency options or at prospects in the draft like Paxton Lynch or Carson Wentz.
Bradford is hitting free agency after having a solid season under Chip Kelly and he is expected to be a target for a number of teams on the market, including potentially the Browns, Texans and 49ers. Bradford had 19 touchdowns last season for the Eagles while playing in 14 games, his highest total since playing through 16 games with the Rams in 2012. Bradford missed two games this season and proved he could stay healthy after dealing with multiple knee surgeries over the previous two years.
The Eagles and Bradford reportedly talked about a new contract earlier in the season, but the sides were not able to agree on a deal. According to Jim Trotter at ESPN, Bradford reportedly asked the Eagles for $25 million per season on a new deal, but things never progressed far enough for the team to make Bradford an offer. Adam Caplan at ESPN thinks that he expects the Eagles to use the franchise tag on Bradford for next season. Caplan said that "it's going to be extremely difficult to go past one year" and that he would be "stunned" if Bradford signs a long term deal with the Eagles.
Pederson said that Bradford is a "top notch quarterback" in his introductory press conference and while that doesn't necessarily mean the Eagles will sign Bradford, it likely means they will try. Pederson worked with Alex Smith in Kansas City and there is a chance he may want a more mobile quarterback in his offense. The Eagles potentially could franchise Bradford and go after a quarterback in the draft, as the 2016 class has a deep list of names at the position.
Jared Goff will likely be out of reach in the top 10 of the draft, but players like Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Christian Hackenberg and Kevin Hogan could be potential options. CBS Sports has the Eagles taking Lynch with the number 13 pick in the first round in an early mock draft, while Mel Kiper at ESPN has the team going after Robert Nkemdiche with the pick. The Eagles do need some pass rush help on defense after last season, but passing up on a quarterback or an offensive player could be hard to do for Pederson, who specializes on that side of the ball.
The Eagles have some roster decisions to make for next season, as players like Darren Sproles and Riley Cooper could be potential cuts. According to NJ.com, Pederson is a fan of Cooper, but with the wideout set to count $5 million on the cap, he could be out after making just 21 catches last season. Sproles has proven to be a nice offensive weapon, but at his age he could be on the chopping block.
