Head coach Doug Pederson told the media the Philadelphia Eagles are not rebuilding. However, if the team fails to re-sign Sam Bradford, they might just be headed in that direction. The team has done a good job of retaining in-house talent so far this offseason, but Bradford remains the biggest question mark. If the Eagles cannot keep Bradford for at least another year, do they risk drafting a rookie quarterback to take his place?
ESPN's Adam Schefter began to reveal the plan for Bradford and the Eagles. The NFL Insider reported that Philadelphia is not likely to use their franchise tag on the quarterback, but still holds interest in re-signing him. The issue is that if Bradford hits the market, teams like the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns will jump at the chance to get him under contract. The Eagles risk being out-bid and losing their former starting quarterback.
Bradford has made it clear that he does not want a franchise tag. The quarterback wants to cash in on the free agent market. However, that number has yet to be determined considering Bradford's resume leaves a lot to be desired. After back-to-back ACL injuries, the quarterback did not blow anyone away in 2015. That will make determining a contract tough which is why the Eagles have yet to jump on a deal.
So if not Bradford, then who? Brock Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick are nice thoughts, but the chances they stay with their respective teams are high. The same can be said for Kirk Cousins. Robert Griffin III does not appear to be of interest to Pederson which means a trade for Colin Kaepernick can also be ruled out. That leaves the NFL Draft.
The Eagles do not make their first pick until No.13. If they do not sign another quarterback before then, they will have to use that first-round selection to pick someone. Paxton Lynch, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are the highest rated options. At least one of them will be available come time for the Eagles to make a move. ESPN's Todd McShay has been clear in saying that no one appears ready to lead a team Week 1. That would leave the Eagles to also signing a veteran as a potential stop-gap option while a rookie develops underneath him.
Several teammates have made it known they want Bradford back in action in 2016. DeMarco Murray, Jordan Matthews, Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz have all told the media that Bradford gives them the best chance to compete. Pederson has echoed those beliefs, but time will tel if they get something done.
