Despite what has been a productive offseason in terms of locking up their homegrown talent, the storyline that has and will continue to follow the Eagles is their ultimate decision over quarterback Sam Bradford. The free agent to-be is arguably the top signal caller to potentially hit the market and Philadelphia is not the only organization with major question marks over the long-term situation of the most important position on the field. While there has been quite a bit of posturing from those in power within the Eagles organization, indications are starting to surface that the two sides may be able to reach a deal before any other team has the chance to pursue the former first overall pick.
Insider Buzz: Sam Bradford Expected to Re-Sign with Eagles, Unlikely to Hit FA https://t.co/9c6xKkZ1vE via bleacherreport
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) February 23, 2016
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report is the first to report this could be a legitimate development. Here's what Cole had to say within his piece.
"Bradford is expected to re-sign with the Eagles by most teams. He however will NOT be franchised. The big issue with Bradford is that he was excellent in the second half of the season. He had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10 to 4 in the final seven games of the season. In addition, he was consistently over 60 percent in completion percentage…If Bradford ultimately goes out on the market, don't expect him to get the huge money that a lot of people would anticipate for a quarterback."
Front office insider and former Eagles team president Joe Banner also hinted that Bradford could be locked up sooner rather than later.
I think Bradford not Cox most likely to be Eagles next signing. Need to do deal before franchise tag period ends, if possible.
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) February 23, 2016
March 1st is the deadline for which teams have to use the franchise tag option on pending unrestricted free agents. All indications up to this point have suggested that the Eagles would prefer not to use the tag and what could be a $20 million-plus salary cap number that comes along with it. Many have suggested that a relatively team friendly deal bringing Bradford back to Philadelphia is the route that the new front office would prefer. These reports may indicate that this type of deal could be on the horizon.
Somers Price is a contributor to Eagledelphia.com and can be followed on Twitter @somersprice
