More On the Bradford Situation

Deadlines spur action, as Andrew Brandt likes to say, and that may prove true when it comes to the Eagles and Sam Bradford.

Teams have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to designate franchise or transition players. If that deadline passes without a deal or the placement of one of those tags, the Eagles lose control of the quarterback.

How will they proceed? Bradford’s agent, Tom Condon, was asked that question during an interview with Sirius/XM.

“With regard to the tag, I couldn’t tell you. That’s a decision that they’ll have to make by tomorrow if we haven’t come to some resolution,” said Condon. “In terms of exactly what’s going to happen one way or the other, I’m sure we’ll have some conversations today.”

Les Bowen notes that the two sides have yet to talk today but likely will. It appears the urgency to get something done — at least on the Eagles side — is picking up.

I think tomorrow at 4 pm, the tag deadline, could be big in the Bradford talks. Once u lose control of rights, talks change.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 29, 2016

Don’t think Eagles r out of it if it doesn’t get done tomorrow, but I think momentum fades, Bradford camp looks to March 7 “legal tempering”

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 29, 2016

Howie Roseman is trying to avoid reaching that point. Mike Garafolo reports that the Eagles upped their offer recently to reflect what they believe is fair market value for Bradford, adding that the per year amount could be in the $12-15 million range.

From Condon’s perspective, he has to get a feel for what his client might be able to fetch in free agency. As we explored last week, there’s an argument to be made that it could take some time for a market to develop for Bradford — if one develops at all. If that’s Condon’s read, it makes sense to get something done in the near future with the Eagles before the leverage created by the threat of competition for Bradford’s services fades.

We know that the Eagles want to avoid reaching the legal tampering period, which begins March 7.  It’s possible Bradford’s side may see the value of getting a contract done before then as well. If that’s the case, something could be coming down the pike soon.

Some think it’s a matter of when, not if, a deal will get done.

It’s 90+% https://t.co/wWng5ysyni

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) February 29, 2016