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Sam Bradford rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By Brad Berreman

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: Sam Bradford No. 8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: Sam Bradford No. 8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Sam Bradford is heading toward free agency, and here are the five best fits for him on the open market.

Sam Bradford had the best season of his career in 2016, as he set a then-league record by completing 71.6 percent of his passes with a career-high with 3,877 passing yards in 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings. Given the short window from when he was acquired to the start of that season, the former No. 1 overall pick delivered nicely.

Bradford started the 2017 campaign about as well as he could have, going 27-for-32 for 346 yards and three touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. Then, right on cue, he came out of that game with soreness in his left knee, and outside of an ill-conceived return to start Week 5 against the Chicago Bears Bradford was not seen on the field again.

But there is a sign Bradford is totally healthy as he gets set to hit free agency. He was made the Vikings’ backup quarterback during the playoffs, over Teddy Bridgewater, and if he was one play away from having to play some faith in the condition of his knee was apparent.

Bradford may be able to find an opportunity to compete for a starting job, and he’ll at least be a high-level backup somewhere. There may be no other quarterback as dependent on the rest of the market for where he’ll ultimately land, but these five teams look like the best fits for Bradford.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Outside of a possible pursuit of Kirk Cousins, the popular narrative for the Vikings’ quarterback situation is Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater both being back with an ensuing competition for the starting job during training camp and the preseason.

But the possibility Bradford returns should not be discounted. Keenum and Bridgewater could both find longer-term deals elsewhere, with the franchise tag a viable option for the Vikings to retain Keenum. Bradford coming back to Minnesota as possible competition for Keenum or Bridgewater would be an interesting scenario. If nothing else, the Vikings are no stranger to intrigue with quarterbacks.

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