The Philadelphia Eagles surprised many by releasing fan favorite Tim Tebow on Saturday, but the team’s next move could be just as surprising.
According to Rand Getlin of NFL Network, “multiple sources” have indicated the Eagles are interested in bringing Christian Ponder aboard.
Multiple sources tell me the #Eagles have interest in Christian Ponder. Team always maintained it's about putting together "the best 53".
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) September 5, 2015
Essentially, head coach Chip Kelly is trading one first-round bust for another, if this report is correct.
Ponder was the 12th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and has struggled to live up to that billing ever since. He lost his starting gig after two middling seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and then became a free agent following the 2014 season after the Vikings declined to pick up his fifth-year option from his rookie deal.
The Oakland Raiders picked him up this offseason but are reportedly set to release him following a mediocre showing this summer. Based on Getlin’s report, it would appear Kelly and the Eagles are set to pounce on the veteran as soon as Oakland lets him go.
For his career, Ponder has completed 59.8 percent of his passes, averaged 6.3 yards per attempt and has thrown 38 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.
Kelly is known for getting the most out of his quarterbacks, and if Ponder does have a future in the NFL, perhaps landing with the Eagles is the best possible outcome for him.