The possible QB carousel currently operated in South Philadelphia by carnival-master Chip Kelly may not be done turning just yet. Let’s get to it all:
After nearly a week of speculation, several sources over social media have confirmed that it was, in fact, the Cleveland Browns who offered the Eagles a first round draft pick—the 19th overall selection—in exchange for Sam Bradford. The Browns currently have two first round selections in the 2015 draft—numbers 12 & 19 overall—as a result of the Buffalo Bills trading up in the 2014 draft to select Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson).
At present, Cleveland has little in the way of a franchise QB option. The Browns signed Josh McCown to a three-year, $14M deal last week after losing free agent Brian Hoyer to the Texans. McCown is 36 years old and has played 12 seasons in the NFL: completing 58% of his career passes for 61 touchdowns against 59 interceptions. Last year, while captaining the sinking ship that was the 2014 Buccaneers, he compiled a 70.5 QB rating while having a hand in 24 total turnovers: 14 interceptions & 10 fumbles. Fortunately, however, the Browns also penned Thad Lewis to a one-year deal this offseason. Lewis has started just six games in his five year NFL career. He has tallied six touchdowns, four interceptions, and three lost fumbles (in addition to four he managed to get back). Finally, we have the gem of the 2014 Draft rumor mill—and former Heisman winner—Johnny Manziel. His extracurricular game seems to be more thrilling than his on-the-field prowess. He is currently in a substance abuse program but is in communication with the Browns coaching staff & front office.
With these options, it is no wonder that the Browns were interested in Bradford. Interestingly, Chip didn’t bite. Though this is speculative, it is likely the Eagles front office tried to get the Brown’s 12th overall pick before talks fell apart. As of now, the Eagles are slated to pick at #20 overall in the draft next month. While two picks are certainly better than one, 19 & 20 overall doesn’t give the Eagles what they likely felt they needed in order to maneuver in the draft the way they had wanted. Come draft day, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Eagles put Bradford on the trade block to see if they can leverage a higher pick. If the Eagles do move Bradford for anything less than the 19th pick overall, however, this will be viewed as another novice mistake from a novice personnel executive in Chip Kelly. Though—to be fair—if Bradford is dealt, the value should be weighed against what the Eagles surrendered for him: Foles, a 2016 second round pick & a conditional pick to the St. Louis Rams.
In addition to these moves, Chip Kelly sprained—though didn’t break—the internet yesterday with news that Tim Tebow was in South Philly working out for the team. Tebow, of Florida Gator fame, has been a victim of his own celebrity during his NFL career. He has been the recipient—perhaps unfairly—of much national attention & scrutiny secondary to his affable nature & devout Christian faith. He has not played in an NFL game since the 2012 season & has been an SEC Network analyst since last playing meaningful competitive football. In 35 professional games played, Tebow completed 48% of his passes for 2,422 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also contributed 989 rushing yards & 12 rushing scores to his team’s efforts. Though it is unclear Chip’s motives in working out Tebow, Christ Mortensen seems to have a theory:
Eagles working out QBs – such as Tebow – should never be connected to Bradford rumors. Matt Barkley can be had for late draft pick, though.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 16, 2015
Moving Barkley could potentially open a spot for Tebow to enter the Eagles locker room. If nothing else, it could be way to recoup the conditional pick shipped to St. Louis for Sam Bradford. While it is unclear what Chip Kelly’s endgame is, one thing is clear: he isn’t done making moves at the QB position and likely won’t be until after next month’s draft.
