It’s been close to two weeks since Chip Kelly was relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and the search for his replacement has been interesting but slow. However, it won’t be the biggest decision the team will make ahead of next season.
That honour goes to Sam Bradford and the decision of choosing if the Eagles should greet their Quarterback with a new, presumably meaty contract or if they should let him walk into free agency. The new Head Coach along with the new “Avengers” of personnel control so to speak will be faced with a dilemma that could well have massive implications over what happens in the following season..here’s why.
If the Eagles keep Bradford:
If Sam Bradford is to return next season, the Eagles could likely have to make some roster moves. Their salary cap room is hardly the most spacious at the moment and by ending the year on a hot streak, Bradford and his agent will be aware of the implications this can have.
So for the sake of this argument we will say the Eagles release/ trade a couple of low performing players and sign Bradford to a long term deal. Great. The birds have retained a Quarterback who has the respect of the locker room and the support of his wide receivers..the fans (most of them) are happy and it’s probably the right move to make.
Here’s what a Bradford re-signing means for the Eagles:
How well will Bradford adjust to ANOTHER new scheme and Coach?
What happens if he falls injured and Sanchez has to start at some stage for a third season?
Do you trade/cut Sanchez and draft a rookie? If so, how high in the draft?
Does the O-Line need upgrading if they’re playing in a different Offense?
Who do you build the Offense around? Murray or Bradford?
Does the Offense change style due to Bradford’s lack of mobility? Will he be made to throw down the field more which as we’ve seen can be both beautiful yet frightening.
What will it cost the team to sign him to a long-term deal? Is it worth it?
Do you draft support for Bradford? Would see 3 receivers then drafted in as many years..two less than exceptional so far.
How much of teams current vision banks on a Sam Bradford return? Are the Eagles ready to move on?
It would also be the fourth starting Quarterback in as many seasons for the Eagles…yikes.
If the Eagles decide to retain Bradford, they have to build the Offense around him. To give him the protection he needs to make those tantalisingly accurate throws and to read the field in a much calmer fashion. When he’s heated up, he’s near unstoppable..but he has to have some help. 40 drops is too much. 12 Quarterback hurries in one game is too much..the birds have to build around their Quarterback if they keep him because as of right now he is the man who can change everything. Obviously the talks of Murray and how the run game will change are going to take place as well..but Bradford is at the heart of this Offense and will therefore will likely dictate the entire gameplan regardless of who the new HC may be.
If the Eagles let Bradford walk:
If the Eagles let Bradford go, it changes everything. Because now this committee that overlooks personnel have 99 problems..but luckily, Chip aint one..(Howie still is…he’s probably 78 of them.)
Problems facing the front office if Bradford walks:
Offense lose chemistry with Quarterback, have to start from scratch again.
Do you attack Free Agency or the draft? Are there any Quarterbacks ready to become starters straight away?
With the first round pick, do the Eagles sign a Quarterback..or fix the Offensive line?
Do the birds trade their pick for a potential Free Agent?
Is a new Quarterback and new coach really going to improve this team straight away?
Current separation in locker room over Kelly firing would only worsen if Bradford were to be allowed to walk out without a contract..he has full support of Offense.
How high is finding the right Quarterback on “to-do” list of new HC?
Can the Eagles really afford to lose Bradford after such a strong season in appalling circumstances?
Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Walter Thurmond all need extensions or could also be in this situation in a few months..how much do the Eagles cut their nose to spite their face?
If they DO sign Bradford and have to let any of the above walk..does that change priorities?
We could go on for hours but the bottom line is this. Finding a new Head Coach is important, of course it is. But Chip Kelly left the Eagles the best present possible. A Quarterback loved by the players who is beginning to win fans over slowly and has shown the fundamentals of what made him so special in his first NFL season. Bradford has shown flashes of greatness this season and considering the circumstances can only be applauded.The decision to keep Bradford or let him walk won’t just impact the Offense..it will send shockwaves through the entire organization.
