The Vikings have not yet discussed an extension with quarterback Sam Bradford, as Bradford himself tells Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune (Twitter link). Bradford is entering the final year of his contract in 2017.
Bradford, 29, signed a two-year deal with the Eagles before being traded to Minnesota last year. Under the terms of that pact, Bradford will earn $18MM in 2017: $14MM in base salary, and $4MM as a roster bonus. Unless he’s extended before next spring, Bradford would become a free agent in a 2018 quarterback class that’s currently scheduled to include Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, Matthew Stafford, and others (although, clearly, some of those signal-callers will never truly approach free agency).
Of course, Bradford’s contract status is directly tied to the health of fellow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who missed the entirety of the 2016 season with a severe knee injury. Bridgewater’s injury necessitated the Bradford trade, and if the Vikings don’t believe Bridgewater will be ready to take the field any time soon, a new deal for Bradford could make sense. For what it’s worth, Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer recently said he has “no idea” if Bridgewater will be able to suit up for the 2017 campaign.
In his first season with the Vikings, Bradford posted best year of his career, at least based on metrics such as quarterback rating and QBR. Bradford tossed 20 touchdowns and only six interceptions while passing for more than 3,800 yards, and led the league in completion percentage (71.6).
“Led the league in completion percentage” should state “set an NFL record in completion percentage”.