Patrick Causey, on Twitter @PhillySportsJD
According to ESPN.com's Ed Werder, the Philadelphia Eagles are attempting to lock Sam Bradford to a short term deal:
The Philadelphia Eagles have interest in tying starting quarterback Sam Bradford to the franchise beyond the upcoming season and have begun discussing a contract extension, according to sources.
It is not expected the negotiations would result in a long-term contract but more likely an agreement providing the team control of Bradford past the 2015 season, the final year of his current contract.
As we have previously reported, Bradford has been taking the significant majority of the first team reps during training camp. While Kelly has stated there is an open competition for the starting quarterback spot, this report seems to solidify what we have known all along: barring injury or some catastrophic play, this is Bradford's job to lose.
You don't trade away a young, productive quarterback and a second round draft pick for someone that you expect to "compete" for the job. You make that trade because you want that quarterback to be your franchise signal caller for the foreseeable future.
The deal makes sense for both sides, a proverbial "meeting in the middle," if you will.
Given Bradford's injury history, the Eagles are likely hesitant to lock him up to a long term deal without first seeing him make it through a season unscathed. On the flip side, however, if the Eagles fail to extend Bradford at all, they run the risk of losing Bradford to free agency, much like they lost Jeremy Maclin this past offseason to the Kansas City Chiefs. Signing Bradford to a short term deal protects the Eagles from being saddled by a useless contract if Bradford gets hurt, while safeguarding against losing Bradford to free agency if he puts up big numbers in Kelly's offense. It is the perfect "hedge your bets" move for the Birds.
It also makes makes sense for Bradford. Another knee injury could be a devastating blow to his future in the league, so signing a short term deal gives him at least some level of security beyond 2015. And if he plays well, the short term deal still gives him the opportunity to sign at least one, if not two, more lucrative contracts, with the Eagles or otherwise.
Bradford is set to make $12.95 million this year on the final year of his rookie contract. I would expect any extension to include a slight bump in pay and include escalators that pays Bradford considerably more if he reaches certain performance milestones (like games played, Pro Bowls made, etc.).
It's a risk for both sides. But given their respective options, it's likely the best move available.
