The Broncos reached out to the Eagles to inquire on Sam Bradford, Mike Klis of 9NEWS reports (via Twitter). However, according to an NFL source, Philadelphia’s asking price was just too lofty.
Earlier today, we learned that Bradford has requested a trade from the Eagles. However, the Eagles have yet to give Bradford and his representatives permission to seek a trade. Bradford is ostensibly upset with the Eagles following their trade up to the No. 2 pick in the draft with the intent of selecting a quarterback. Of course, that deal came just six weeks after the Eagles re-upped Bradford on a lucrative two-year contract.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are searching for answers at quarterback after losing Brock Osweiler to free agency and seeing future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning announce his retirement. Denver has Mark Sanchez in place as a Plan B, but they are searching hard for a better starting candidate. The Broncos’ have had extensive trade talks with the 49ers regarding Colin Kaepernick, but those have effectively been frozen as the quarterback is unwilling to take the pay cut that is being requested of him.
Since the Eagles have already paid out Bradford’s $11MM signing bonus, he would represent a very affordable option at quarterback for Denver. The Broncos, or any team acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick, would only be on the hook for $7MM in 2016.
Bradford, acquired a year ago by Chip Kelly‘s Eagles in a trade with the Rams, had his ups and downs in 14 starts for Philadelphia in 2015, but his overall numbers have been solid. The Oklahoma product set new career-highs with a 65.0% completion percentage, and 3,725 yards passing. He also tossed 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, leading the club to a 7-7 record in his starts.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
From a cap standpoint how does that even work? Doesn’t make sense.
Muhammad Wilkerson for Sam Bradford straight up makes sense cap wise. And the 49ers have the cap space if Kelly wants him again. No one else is hurting that bad for a QB that has cap space or isn’t drafting #1.
D Thomas’ contract allows Broncos to payout some salary as bonus for cap relief. Around $10 mln. Plus, it was reported today (whether credible or not time will tell) that Bradford would be willing to rework his deal with a new team. Denver could absolutely make it work it they were willing to meet Eagles asking price.
Yea I saw the Thomas thing somewhere before on here. Still won’t be enough unless Bradford restructures like you said. Need about 6 M for draft picks. I can only assume they want a 1st round pick.
If Bradford is traded, his cap hit for his new team would be $7MM.
I would take a 2nd round pick for Bradford.
Of course you’d take a 2nd round pick for Bradford but there isn’t a team in the nfl that is willing to give up a 2nd for him. Just him out and see if philly releases him or trades him on draft day for a 5-7.