When the Eagles signed former Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel to a three-year, $21 million deal on Wednesday, speculation erupted over what the signing meant for quarterback Sam Bradford.
Bradford, who just signed a two-year, $36 million deal last week, was believed to be a lock for the starting job before Daniel was brought into the picture. Then, many thought the addition of Daniel meant that Bradford could be in another team’s uniform at the start of the 2016 season.
While speaking to the media on Thursday, head coach Doug Pederson made the Eagles intentions clear.
“Right now, going forward, Sam Bradford is the No. 1. Chase Daniel is the No. 2 and then we’re working on the No. 3. I just want to put that out there right now going forward,” he said, ending any speculation that Bradford’s job is in jeopardy.
In 14 games with the Eagles, Bradford threw for 3,725 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Daniel’s stats are much more limited, having only started two games in his career. Still, Pederson saw enough during his tenure as the Chief’s offensive coordinator to exhibit great optimism over Daniel.
With Bradford being the guy and Daniel being his backup, it is likely that quarterback Mark Sanchez will find a home elsewhere in 2016.
Now that Pederson made it clear that it is Bradford, not Daniel, who will be the starter, questions will loom as to why exactly is Daniel getting paid $21 million to hold a clipboard. Are the Eagles still weary about Bradford’s injury history? Could this season be the final shot for Bradford to produce a successful season before they jump ship and board the SS Daniel?
One thing that certainly remains true is that the 2016 season will be an interesting and highly unpredictable one.
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