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Many experts didn’t see the recent trade for quarterback Nick Foles coming; we did. The writing was on the wall, and it was primarily due to quarterback Sam Bradford unwilling to restructure his contract with the St. Louis Rams. That factor lead to general manager Les Snead to consider other options.
This year’s free agent market is a barren wasteland for talented quarterbacks and ultimately would have solved nothing. The Rams currently own the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and likely are not in the running for top prospects Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. St. Louis needed an opportunity and that came when the Philadelphia Eagles placed Foles on the trading block.
Here is a more in-depth look at the trade:
What the Rams lost: It’s hard to defend Bradford, because he hasn’t had much playing time over the past two seasons. Injuries are obviously something he can’t control, but they are part of the game. What I can say about Bradford is he has the mechanics and the potential to be the better quarterback. That’s something Rams fans alike have been harping on since he was drafted out of Oklahoma back in 2010.
Nobody can deny Bradford’s arm strength. He has the ability to throw the deep ball, but he hasn’t many chances to prove it. Bradford appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season in 2013, but that ended after tearing his ACL. In short, the Rams aren’t entirely sure what they are losing in Bradford.
Along with Bradford, the Rams lost a fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and potentially another draft pick in 2016. Bradford not playing for the Eagles will cost the Rams a draft pick. If he doesn’t play at all in Philadelphia, then the Rams must surrender a third round pick in 2016. If Bradford plays less than 50 percent of the snaps, then the Rams only give up a 2016 fourth round pick. Either way, it really doesn’t break the bank.
What the Rams gained: A ton of upside. First off, the Rams gained nearly $13 million in cap space by trading Bradford. That’s precious cap money that can be used to sign free agents, draft picks and could potentially sign Foles to a contract extension. If you’re keeping score, the Rams cut DT Kendall Langford, OT Jake Long and C Scott Wells which combined with the savings from Bradford amounts to about $31.5 million in freed cap space. Now is the time to invest in some protection for Foles.
The Rams also gained a capable quarterback in Foles. As stated earlier, Bradford may have the better tools, but that means nothing if he can’t make it to the field. Foles has had his share of injuries too, but not quite to the extent of Bradford. Possibly the most important part of swapping quarterbacks is both of them are a better fit in their new home. The Rams needed much more than a pocket passer. Foles can throw on the run and keep defenders on their toes by threatening to advance on the ground. His addition could be the spark for players like Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey to move up to the next stage of their career.
To sweeten the deal, the Eagles threw in a 2015 fourth round draft pick and a 2016 second round draft pick. Extra draft picks are always welcomed in St. Louis.
Who won?: The Rams by a wide margin. Snead designed the trade so that even if Bradford reaches his full potential in Philly, the Rams have multiple ways of gaining from this trade. The amount of cash saved alone was a win for the Rams. Everything else is really a plus from this point on.
This doesn’t mean the Eagles were robbed in the deal. If Bradford lives up to his hype, the Eagles will have a good chance to make an impact in the playoff picture. That kind of success doesn’t have a price tag. Now, time to update your mock drafts.
Source: Sportrac.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2015, 2015 NFL Draft, featured, Kenny Britt, Les Snead, NFL, Nick Foles, offseason, Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, trade
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Many experts didn’t see the recent trade for quarterback Nick Foles coming; we did. The writing was on the wall, and it was primarily due to quarterback Sam Bradford unwilling to restructure his contract with the St. Louis Rams. That factor lead to general manager Les Snead to consider other options.
This year’s free agent market is a barren wasteland for talented quarterbacks and ultimately would have solved nothing. The Rams currently own the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and likely are not in the running for top prospects Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. St. Louis needed an opportunity and that came when the Philadelphia Eagles placed Foles on the trading block.
Here is a more in-depth look at the trade:
What the Rams lost: It’s hard to defend Bradford, because he hasn’t had much playing time over the past two seasons. Injuries are obviously something he can’t control, but they are part of the game. What I can say about Bradford is he has the mechanics and the potential to be the better quarterback. That’s something Rams fans alike have been harping on since he was drafted out of Oklahoma back in 2010.
Nobody can deny Bradford’s arm strength. He has the ability to throw the deep ball, but he hasn’t many chances to prove it. Bradford appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season in 2013, but that ended after tearing his ACL. In short, the Rams aren’t entirely sure what they are losing in Bradford.
Along with Bradford, the Rams lost a fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and potentially another draft pick in 2016. Bradford not playing for the Eagles will cost the Rams a draft pick. If he doesn’t play at all in Philadelphia, then the Rams must surrender a third round pick in 2016. If Bradford plays less than 50 percent of the snaps, then the Rams only give up a 2016 fourth round pick. Either way, it really doesn’t break the bank.
What the Rams gained: A ton of upside. First off, the Rams gained nearly $13 million in cap space by trading Bradford. That’s precious cap money that can be used to sign free agents, draft picks and could potentially sign Foles to a contract extension. If you’re keeping score, the Rams cut DT Kendall Langford, OT Jake Long and C Scott Wells which combined with the savings from Bradford amounts to about $31.5 million in freed cap space. Now is the time to invest in some protection for Foles.
The Rams also gained a capable quarterback in Foles. As stated earlier, Bradford may have the better tools, but that means nothing if he can’t make it to the field. Foles has had his share of injuries too, but not quite to the extent of Bradford. Possibly the most important part of swapping quarterbacks is both of them are a better fit in their new home. The Rams needed much more than a pocket passer. Foles can throw on the run and keep defenders on their toes by threatening to advance on the ground. His addition could be the spark for players like Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey to move up to the next stage of their career.
To sweeten the deal, the Eagles threw in a 2015 fourth round draft pick and a 2016 second round draft pick. Extra draft picks are always welcomed in St. Louis.
Who won?: The Rams by a wide margin. Snead designed the trade so that even if Bradford reaches his full potential in Philly, the Rams have multiple ways of gaining from this trade. The amount of cash saved alone was a win for the Rams. Everything else is really a plus from this point on.
This doesn’t mean the Eagles were robbed in the deal. If Bradford lives up to his hype, the Eagles will have a good chance to make an impact in the playoff picture. That kind of success doesn’t have a price tag. Now, time to update your mock drafts.
Source: Sportrac.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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