The quarterback dominoes continue to fall, with the latest representing another opportunity for Sam Bradford.
Bradford has agreed to terms with the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). This stands to take another team out of the Kirk Cousins mix, one that’s believed to be concluding with the Vikings landing this year’s free agent prize.
It’s a two-year deal for Bradford, Peter Schrager of NFL.com reports (on Twitter), and Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic tweets this agreement will be worth $18MM per year. Incentives could take it to $20MM per season, per Somers. However, Schefter and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport report (Twitter links) this is a one-year deal worth $20MM with an option for a second season. Schefter reports $15MM is guaranteed in this contract. Some form of injury protection exists within this deal, Mike Jurecki of ArizonaSports.com tweets.
With Cousins likely landing in Minnesota and Case Keenum set to trek to Denver, the Cardinals were lower on options. They were believed to have inquired about Tyrod Taylor as well before the Browns acquired him. But Bradford will now head to a fourth NFC team and potentially receive an opportunity to be a Week 1 starter again.
The Cardinals were linked to Mike Glennon earlier on Tuesday, but that could well have been as a possible backup. As of now, no quarterbacks reside on Arizona’s roster after Carson Palmer‘s retirement and Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert‘s contracts expiring.
Given his injury history, Bradford does not bring much stability. But he did play 15 games for the 2016 Vikings and suited up for 14 contests with the 2015 Eagles. While Bradford set a then-NFL record with a 71.6 percent completion rate in his first Minnesota season, during a season that saw him throw 20 touchdown passes compared to five interceptions, his tenure was marred by nagging knee trouble in his second.
Bradford played in just two games for the Vikings last season. He torched the Saints in a Week 1 win but then experienced knee pain that shelved him for several weeks, and the former No. 1 overall pick could not make it through a second game — being benched for Keenum — and did not play again last season. Bradford also missed all of the 2014 season and nine games for the 2013 Rams due to knee trouble.
This is a slight gamble for the Cardinals, but without the kind of cap space the Vikings or Jets had, a Cousins union looked less likely.
This takes another veteran option out of the mix for the Jets. But Teddy Bridgewater remains unaffiliated, and Gang Green was believed to be viewing the former Vikings first-rounder as its optimal bridge plan. This also leaves A.J. McCarron without a surefire landing spot. The Bengals backup had sought an opportunity to become a starter, but several franchises have moved or are believed to be moving in other directions.
As for Bradford, he’s still just 30 despite experiencing a litany of injuries. He will likely be asked to take the Cardinals’ reins in the near future while the franchise attempts to bring in a long-term successor in the draft. Picking at No. 15 this year could complicate that.
It’s quite possible all four top quarterbacks in this year’s prospect pool could be long gone by the time Arizona’s selection window opens. The Browns, Giants, Jets, Bills and possibly the Broncos represent potential quarterback landmines for the Cardinals’ quest, and after the Bills’ Cordy Glenn trade, all five of these franchises pick in front of Arizona. The Cardinals could target a passer in the second round, however, and may turn to the 2019 draft.
[RELATED: Cardinals Depth Chart]
Bridgewater or AJ for the Jets? Or do they try to trade for Foles?
Lol cards aren’t going to be very good this season
everyone already knew that regardless of who the QB was
I smell 5-11 or 6-10. If all goes to plan, possibly 8-8. Watch out NFC.
Horrible signing. He’ll be on IR all season
Oh boy. They probably are drafting a QB.
It surprises me after all of Palmer’s injuries that they would take a chance with Bradford. He’s the most talented guy left but will he ever stay healthy.
Did they sign his bum knee too?
I see the cards swapping their first rounder with the browns and adding Mathieu as painful as that sounds
Given that the Cardinals briefly weren’t even sure if they were keeping Mathieu next year in the first place, they’d probably have to add a lot more to move up 10 spots.
They need a backup…..and a backup for the backup.
1 year 20 million with an option
Just said they should make this move like 30 mins ago lol. Way better than Glennon. They should still draft a qb but this is a smart move. Think for sure Bridgewater goes to the Jets or Bills. If the Jets miss out on Bridgewater they should just bring back McCown and draft a QB.
Bradford just made $18m guaranteed to play 3 games.
That was my first reaction too. How does this guy still get that kind of money with his injury history?!?
No idea, it’s a crime how much money he has made in his career given his injury history and ineffectiveness. Even when he is healthy he’s not that good. Everyone points to his completion percentage cause he throws a million screen passes. I thought it was a 2 year deal worth a total of $18m and thought that was bad until I read it again.
Still believe the Browns may sign McCarron and have him compete with Taylor for the starting QB position. This would ensure that the Browns have a quality backup (they don’t really trust Kessler or Hogan in that position) while making sure that any QB drafted would be able to sit at least this year. Trading for Taylor allowed the Browns to be sure that they would get at least one starting caliber QB because being sure of signing one in free agency was an unknown.
This scenario would also the Browns more flexibility if they don’t really like any of the top QBs in the draft. Could take Barkley at #1 and then a QB at #4 and if they don’t like any of the QBs at that spot, trade out of #4 with the Jets, Bills, Cardinals, Dolphins, etc., get more picks and then take Rudolph, Falk or Lauletta later.
Cleveland, where QBs careers go to die
Your head, where brain cells go to die
They’ll draft a QB, probably Lamar Jackson, and Bradford will be the bridge option.
Lamar Jackson is trash. I’d rather have Falk
He has to be the most overpaid player in sports.100mil on his rookie deal,and another 70 on this one and the 1 with the Eagles. And it’s still very much questionable if he can stay healthy or win.
If Bradford sees all $40m of this deal he’ll have made $134m in his career. He’s never won for than 7 games in a season. Has never thrown for over 21 TD’s and has never even thrown for 4,000 yards.