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Does Sam Bradford Want to be the Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback?

By Jesse Shuter

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Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

With the Super Bowl fast approaching, free agency and the NFL draft are not far behind. The Philadelphia Eagles have already been busy handing out expensive extensions to some of their key players. It is clear that defensive end/tackle Fletcher Cox is the next target but it is unclear where that leaves quarterback Sam Bradford.

There are certainly cases to be made for both keeping and moving on from Bradford, and while there is a good chance that it will not be Bradford’s decision where he ends up because of the franchise tag or a decision to move on by the Eagles.

However, in the situation where the Eagles are interested in an extension with Bradford and do not want to use the franchise tag it will come down to what Sam Bradford wants. Does he want to be a Philadelphia Eagle?

What Philadelphia has going for them is the familiarity. Running back DeMarco Murray was Sam Bradford’s teammate and roommate in college. In addition, Bradford has already formed bonds with many other Eagles players at this point.

In addition, while he is new, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson comes from the same coaching tree as former Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. This means that both would use a similarly schemed west coast offense. It is also no secret that Bradford was an advocate for Shurmur to return.

The reasons to leave, however, might outweigh the reasons to stay. While their is something to be said for familiarity and friendship it is clear that Sam Bradford wants to make the most money he can.

There are a few teams that could express interest should Bradford become available. The Houston Texans, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and perhaps the Buffalo Bills. There is also the chance that the Los Angeles Rams might be players to try and land Bradford again.

Of these teams, only the Texans, Jets and Bills offer improved personnel situations from the Eagles and of those only the Texans have the money to significantly outbid the Eagles.

The Houston Texans should be the biggest competition to land Bradford. With and excellent defense, a comfortable offensive scheme and a safety blanket in the form of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins they certainly are an attractive option. They are also much closer to Oklahoma where Bradford went to college.

The Jets also offer a better chance to make the playoffs than the Eagles as they too boast a great defense and an excellent receiving group.

If Bradford is after money the Cleveland Browns could also become serious players for his services with an excellent offensive line and an offensive guru for a head coach in Hue Jackson.

Ordinarily the San Francisco 49ers would be another perfect situation but with Chip Kelly there it is unlikely that Bradford would seek out a reunion with Kelly.

It is unclear what will happen at this time, but the Eagles being Bradford’s destination of choice is certainly not clear at this time. If Bradford expresses early interest in leaving soon, then look for the Eagles to attempt the rare tag and trade. It could be their best move at this point.

Next: Malcolm Jenkins Wants to Stay With Philadelphia Eagles Long-Term

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