Even if Bradford Stays, He Shouldn’t Start

Sam Bradford will most likely stay, but should he even start for the Eagles?

Sam Bradford has been the subject of much controversy ever since his name was first brought up in association with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles sent away Nick Foles, a second, and a fourth round draft pick to the Rams in exchange for Bradford and a fifth round pick.

The former number one overall pick was coming off of his second ACL tear in two years, and it seemed silly to give up so much for a porcelain doll of a quarterback. But, alas, he was here, and anything seemed better than Mark Sanchez.

Poor offensive line and wide receiver play didn’t lend Bradford much help throughout his first season in Philadelphia.

Even with visible improvements in his last seven games and that whole narrative, he was never any better than average. Thousands of excuses can be made for him: no wide receivers, no protection, new system, new teammates, blah blah blah, but ultimately a great quarterback makes everyone around him better. No excuses needed. They are great regardless of the situation.

When the offseason rolled around, Sam did just enough to earn a two-year deal to remain an Eagle. A two-year deal doesn’t necessarily scream “quarterback of the future,” but apparently it does to Bradford and his agent. Once the trading up in the draft rumors starting swirling around, and the Eagles actually did it, Bradford was reportedly “hot.” Then, a few days later, he requested a trade from the Eagles.

He felt that the Eagles may have misled him on their intentions of resigning him, and he doesn’t want to be the guy used just to fill a transition period.

That’s a lot of entitlement for a guy who has spent most of his career injured and never surpassed mediocrity.

First of all, Bradford has said time and time again that he has long awaited an offseason where he is not rehabbing and can focus on building chemistry with teammates and fully immersing himself into that system. Now, the one offseason that he is fully healthy and able to participate in all of the programs, he is robbing himself of the luxury he wanted so badly by skipping practice. (Well, he might not be completely healthy. He is severely butthurt right now.) 

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Secondly, the market for him is not very big. Yes, the Denver Broncos were desperate for a quarterback, but that ship has sailed, and he is left with no other options.

If he decides to go anywhere else, there will likely be a competition for the starting job, which seems to be tantamount to death for him since he can’t handle the idea of competing with a rookie from North Dakota State. (Even though it’s been stated countless times that there will be no competition and he will be the day one starter.)

Ultimately, Sam doesn’t deserve to start. Shying away at the first semblance of competition only serves to incriminate his character, not incriminate the Eagles. Why start someone who doesn’t want to be here? Why keep someone who doesn’t want to be here? Why allow the rookie quarterback of the future enter the NFL with a disillusioned diva constantly dimming what should be a bright future for Carson Wentz?

Next: Bad News, Sam Bradford: You Might Not Be a Franchise Quarterback

If keeping him on the team is really what the Eagles want, at least don’t let him start. Don’t condone the dramatic behavior of a dwindling and overpaid quarterback. Don’t let his actions fester in the locker room, create even more tension, and start the makings of a vitriolic domino effect. Start Chase Daniel if starting Wentz immediately is so unfavorable. Do anything but allow Bradford to start and dictate the feelings in the locker room.