Bradford improved as last season progressed, and given their options, it would make sense if the Eagles re-signed him – but at a cap-friendly number. He’s scheduled to become a free agent, and using the franchise tag on him would cost the Eagles about $20 million. The Eagles hold the 13th pick in the first round, which theoretically should allow them to draft one of Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch or Carson Wentz.
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As for Foles, it is worth noting that while Pederson was on Andy Reid’s coaching staff when the Eagles selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, he was only the quarterbacks coach at the time. The Rams received a 4th round pick in 2015, as well as a 2nd round pick in 2016.
A name to reportedly watch out for this offseason for the Eagles is former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, according to Schefter.
In his lone season with St. Louis, Foles opened the season as the starter but was benched and replaced by Case Keenum. At midseason the idea of franchising him would have been laughable.
Bradford, meanwhile, a Kelly favorite since the quarterback was at Oklahoma, was plagued by costly, late-game interceptions. The Eagles had a poor offensive line and not a lot of receiving talent.
Or there’s always the possibility that the Eagles are intent on passing on signing Bradford to a mega-deal and will turn to the draft this spring to find a young quarterback the team can build around.
A team can use the franchise tag on one free agent.
It’s interesting to contemplate where Sunday’s Schefter report might have originated.
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We know the new regime has said nice things about Bradford, while having no real history with or ties to the NFL’s 2010 No. 1 overall pick. The first day to use the franchise tag is February 16th, 2016, but Schefter reports that is unlikely. Despite not being able to run, Kelly also likes Bradford and his skill-set.
