Report: Cardinals not ready to start Josh Rosen despite financial incentive

Sam Bradford has been downright terrible through his first two games with the Arizona Cardinals, and the calls for the team to turn to rookie Josh Rosen have already begun. That is not going to happen just yet, however.

Accoridng to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Cardinals know they have multiple issues on offense and do not believe a quarterback change would instantly solve any of them. While Bradford has two interceptions, no touchdowns and a passer rating of 55.6 through two games, what he did in training camp and the preseason has the Cardinals convinced he is still the right man for the job.

Despite the 0-2 start — and every other rookie first-round QB starting or expected to start — the #AZCardinals are not ready to turn to Josh Rosen just yet. Here is why pic.twitter.com/Nurmfb6geC

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2018

Interestingly enough, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reviewed Bradford’s contract and learned that the Cardinals have some financial incentive to bench the veteran. They would save more than $4 million in unpaid per-game roster bonuses if they bench or release Bradford after Week 3. Schefter notes that some people around the NFL believe the Cardinals have begun thinking about a QB change.

Bradford has made some bad reads in Arizona’s first two games, and there’s a reason we have his situation among our 15 questions to watch for Week 3. No matter how much the coaching staff likes him, he needs to turn things around quickly with a first-round pick waiting to take over.