In a surprising chain of events, Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Sam Bradford was sent to the Minnesota Vikings, in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2017 and a fourth-round pick in 2018. Bradford had only been with the Birds for a year. He had stated early this year that he wanted to be traded.
As the Bradford era ends, rookie Carson Wentz, who was recruited by the Eagles this year, will likely take Bradford’s spotlight when he is ready, as he is currently suffering from a hairline rib fracture that he received during preseason. In the meantime, veteran Chase Daniel will fill in for Wentz.
Given my past history with the Eagles, I would not exactly call myself a fan. I mean, am I really supposed to root for a team that has never once won a championship? My beliefs and general disinterest aside, I look forward to these recent changes with confidence and positivity for the future of the team.
Looking at it from both the Eagles’ and the Vikings’ perspectives, the decision greatly benefits both teams. After Minnesota’s quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was badly injured and deemed unable to play for the upcoming 2016-2017 season, the Vikings found themselves in a state of panic. So the idea of them receiving Bradford, who initially wanted to be traded from the Eagles to begin with, only seems to make perfect sense.
On the Eagles’ side, Bradford was clearly unhappy being with the Birds and he did not seem to be a vital asset to the team during their 2015-2016 season, given that, as usual, their performance was a bit sloppy. Since Wentz is a fresh new face for the team, a lot of potential and hype is built around him. In addition to Wentz’s inclusion this season, the Eagles’ first-round draft pick next year reassures that they will have a good chance of building a more efficient team around Wentz.
So I have confidence that the future of the Philadelphia Eagles will be full of potential surprises. Though they have disappointed in the past, these recent and risky changes to the teams have left a feeling of hope in the hearts of Philly and myself as well.
