Chip Kelly may insist that his Philadelphia Eagles really like Sam Bradford and are prepared to move forward next season with him as their quarterback, but not everyone is buying that talk.
There has long been speculation that the Eagles would do “whatever it takes” to trade up for Marcus Mariota in the draft. Even though Kelly acquired Bradford in a trade with the Rams and has said how much they like him, that doesn’t mean the team will keep him.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweeted Sunday that some coaches around the league believe Bradford is trade bait for the Eagles to move up in the draft. She even mentioned the Titans as a potential trade partner:
Interesting to hear some coaches @kwhite8 pro day who said not convinced w/ Kelly/Bradford. They think SB still bait for Titans, not sys fit
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2015
Tennessee holds the second pick in the draft and does not really have a quarterback. You really telling me they’re going to roll with Zach Mettenberger? No way — Bradford is much better. If the Eagles can put together a package including Bradford and some draft picks, that might be enticing for a team in the top 10. And moving up to No. 2 would almost ensure they can draft Mariota because most expect the Bucs to take Jameis Winston No. 1 overall. There has been talk that the Eagles would trade with the Jets at No. 6, but that would allow another team the opportunity to move up ahead of Philly if they really want Mariota.
My guess is that Kelly is prepared to play this season with Bradford at QB, but that he wants to move up for Mariota. Only I don’t think he would move up to No. 2 to do it. Maybe he’ll wait to see if Mariota slips in the draft before moving up to trade for him that way it won’t be as costly in terms of what they would need to give up.
