Chip Kelly traded for Sam Bradford to run the up-tempo Philadelphia Eagles offense, but the quarterback’s future with the team is now in flux after the franchise released the head coach.
According to ESPN’s Phil Sheridan, Bradford — an impending free agent — said he didn’t expect Kelly would be fired, and the offensive style of Philly’s new coach may send Bradford packing.
“I still enjoy the guys on this team. I enjoy the city. I enjoyed my time here. Obviously, I think a lot of it depends on who they hire as a head coach now and what type of offensive system he wants to run.”
In true professional form, Bradford reminded fans that he’s focused on the next game — not that it really matters, since the Washington football team has already wrapped up the NFC East title.
“The future is uncertain. Chip was great to me. It’s tough to lose him. But we’re focused on this last game. After that, I can sit down and think about what the future holds.”
Kelly wanted to sign Bradford to a long-term contract, but contract talks for the quarterback broke off during the regular season. Perhaps that was a good thing, because now the Oklahoma product isn’t locked into what happens next in Philadelphia.
If Bradford doesn’t like the system thew new coach will institute for 2016 — though really, that’s perfectly vague because he can play both from under center and shotgun just fine — he’ll don a different uniform next year.
Nevertheless, Bradford has completed a career-best 64 percent of his passes this season, tossing 17 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions heading into Week 17. Considering he sat out 25 contests in 2013 and 2014 combined, missing just two games is encouraging.
The 28-year-old quarterback has recently started to look comfortable with the Eagles, building a decent connection with Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz in particular. Depending on Philadelphia’s next hire, though, that slowly gained rapport might simply go to waste.