Sam Bradford is rumored to be signing with the Cardinals once free agency officially begins. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bradford is expected to sign with the Cardinals according to multiple sources. It looks like the Cardinals have their bridge quarterback.
Sam Bradford intends to sign with Arizona, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Entering free agency the Cardinals had an empty quarterback room. Carson Palmer retired while the contracts of Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton expired. A season ending injury for Palmer ultimately sunk the campaign in 2017. With a new coaching staff, the team needed to make moves.
The Cardinals were rumored to be in the running for Kirk Cousins before the Vikings reportedly sealed the deal. Many believed the next group of quarterbacks would Bradford, A.J. McCarron, and Josh McCown. Of the group, Bradford was the bigger name, although he played just two games for the Vikings last season.
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Bradford is just 30 years old but has struggled with injuries his entire career. He is an accurate passer who possesses a strong arm. Drafted in 2010, Bradford played five seasons for the St. Louis Rams. He then spent a season with the Eagles where he threw for 3,725 yards on 65 percent passing, including 19 touchdowns. In 2016 he joined the Vikings and threw for 3,877 yards on 71 percent passing and 20 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. While many may not view Bradford as a franchise quarterback the fact remains that he is still a talented quarterback.
Is That It?
Ian Rapoport reported via Twitter that the contract for Bradford is a one year deal worth $20 million with an option year for the same amount. This speaks to the real role of Bradford as the bridge quarterback. The team currently owns the 15th pick of the first round in the draft. To put it simply, the Cardinals are not done at the quarterback position.
The #AZCardinals are signing QB Sam Bradford to a 1-year deal worth $20M, source said, with an option year at $20M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
The draft and likely free agency provide additional avenues for general manager Steve Keim and the rest of the front office. With Bradford on board the team now has a quarterback sitting in the room, ready to learn the offense. A mid-round rookie like Mason Rudolph or Kyle Lauletta would be a good move to sit and learn. However, could the team be looking an another veteran quarterback, perhaps a cheaper option?
Time will tell what happens next with the Cardinals in free agency. It is obvious with the suddenness of the Bradford deal that the front office are making calls are making calls and working deals. While we haven’t officially started free agency, the Cardinals are off to an interesting start.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.
