In the end it turns out our resident EYE-nalyst DUTCH RUBB was on the money a week ago when he predicted Sam Bradford’s wildcat strike was for the most part a maneuver to get himself traded to the Denver Broncos. Either the asking price was too high or John Elway had no interest— I guess we’ll find out more about that end of it soon enough.
Now it’s actually in the Eagles’ best interest to welcome Sam back with open arms. He is still a key piece in their Master Plan to develop Carson Wentz for the future.
The quarterback rescinded his trade demand and reported to the NovaCare Complex on Monday, agent Tom Condon told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.
“I’m excited to be back on the field today with my teammates and coaches,” Bradford said in a statement. “The business-side of football is sometimes a necessary consideration. My attention and efforts are focused on the participation in and preparation for a championship season. I am committed to my teammates and the Eagles organization for nothing less.”
All of the time Bradford missed was voluntary under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who is playing on a one-year team option and is negotiating a new contract, has also missed the Eagles’ voluntary workouts so far.
Apparently linebacker Connor Barwin was instrumental in reaching out to Bradford over the weekend and talking him in off the ledge.
Reaction from the BORED here was swift and varied:
PALM FEATHERS said the team should serve the humble pie with a side of vanilla ice cream, as we all can relate to getting the professional ego in a snit at various times in our lives:
“I don’t know about anyone else but I have allowed my mouth to put me in positions that I had to ‘back out of’… Times when I look for life’s Undo Button….a mistake is a mistake is a mistake…we all make them. Main difference is Sammy is in the big lights and the media sharks have little else to feed on right now.”
AFRA feels the humble pie should be served cold—and perhaps rubbed in a little:
“Hahahaha! I wish I could be at the Nova Care Complex today! Just to watch snakey Sammy da Squid walk around with an awkward smile…. like… Hey guys… Soo…. whats new?? Whatever, best thing for “the plan” is to get this over with now. Let da squid win the starting job, and play till his legs fall off… then bring in the Wentz Wagon and don’t look back… Heck, this team can compete if Sammy stays healthy. It’s truly the best option for now.”
PPW hates the idea of Sammy’s return:
“I don’t care what he does or how many wins he may have, I don’t care for Bradford at all. I didn’t want him in the first place and I don’t care if he’s the Eagles QB. He’s rubbish. I won’t be rooting for him in any way.”
JERKY says he’s done with the dish:
“He’s forever a bitch boy to me. I also was pissed off that Chip Kelly traded for him last offseason, so basically he can flop this year or do great, whatever,…he won’t receive this guy’s support!”
FIELDS likes the return of Bradford as a good business move for both parties:
“Ok, now we root for Sam to have a great season, lead the Birds to the playoffs and get traded for two 2nd round pix, according to plan.”
DUTCH RUBB as usual was pragmatic about the whole thing:
“The only likely place he wanted to land was Denver and the only way he was going to have any shot to get there was the way he did it. Once Denver balked he is left a man without a country. He’s just waiting now to minimize the damage…..and knows he is a dead man walking. But he can’t play poorly either….or he hurts any chance at a decent contract with the next team.”
DON PARDO had a darker take:
“Sammy the Bull?…or Sammy the Squid? or Sammy the Snake? How come I am smelling an injury settlement in the future….?”
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