When the Eagles acquired Sam Bradford in a trade with the St. Louis Rams for Nick Foles, there was great discussion about the quarterback's contract situation.
There is one year remaining on Bradford's six-year, $78 million contract, which will pay Bradford $12.985 million in 2015. Many thought the Eagles would try to restructure the contract to make Bradford's cap hit lower while giving him an extension.
Instead, Bradford will play out the final season of his contract in 2015, according to a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
Was asked about Sam Bradford’s contract on @NFLTotalAccess: I’m told he plans to play it out this year on the final year of his deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2015
The decision is a gamble on Bradford's health, the same way the Eagles are taking a gamble on the quarterback. Bradford is coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries in the previous two seasons, and missed all of 2014. His health is a huge risk.
But Bradford has appeared to be healthy in mini camp. As the Eagles prepare for training camp, which opens on Aug. 2, Bradford's biggest season in the NFL begins.
The quarterback must prove his health is stable while showing his ability has not wavered. Many think Chip Kelly's offense will be good for BRadford, so long as he can stay healthy.
It's obvious Bradford is trying to maximize whatever he could get in the offseason next year, whether it be from the Eagles or another team. But it also takes the pressure off the Eagles front office to do anything about his contract now and push it aside until the season is over and his performance in return from injury can be evaluated further.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
