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Sam Bradford's reaction shouldn't surprise Eagles

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles' carefully laid plan at quarterback has a flaw. The team's plan might have made sense on paper, but it was dependent on human beings.

Sam Bradford, one of those human beings, has asked the Eagles to trade him, according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bradford has also told the team he will not report to any further voluntary preseason activities, Schefter reported.

The Eagles signed Bradford to a new $35 million, two-year contract in March. They also signed former Kansas City Chiefs backup Chase Daniel to a three-year, $21 million deal.

Bradford took part in the Eagles' three-day minicamp last week. On the second day of the camp, however, the Eagles obtained the No. 2 pick in this week's NFL draft in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman made it clear the team planned to take a quarterback with the pick.

The day before the trade, Bradford talked to reporters. He said he tried to ignore talk about the team drafting a quarterback.

“I learned a long time ago to stay away from all that stuff,” Bradford said then. “It's not the first time I've gone through a situation like this. I think I learned a long time ago not to worry about anything I can't control. I have no control over that. There's no reason wasting any time or putting any worry into that.”

After the Eagles completed the trade for the No. 2 pick, Roseman was asked about Bradford's possible reaction.

“He's a pro,” Roseman said. “We have no concern about Sam's professionalism.”

The Eagles' plan was for Bradford to start in 2016. Roseman reiterated that in announcing the trade. Daniel was set to be the No. 2 quarterback as well as a virtual coach who could help Bradford and the rookie quarterback learn Doug Pederson's offense.

But the implication of that plan is that Bradford probably would not be in the Eagles' plans beyond 2016. They could release him after the season for just a $5.5 million hit on their 2017 salary cap. Trading Bradford would mean the Eagles have to eat his $11 million signing bonus.

That was the structure of the contract the Eagles offered and that Bradford agreed to. At the same time, Bradford developed as a leader during the 2015 season. Many of his teammates felt confident in Bradford as the quarterback.

Bradford also noted that he was healthy for the offseason workouts for the first time in three years. For the past two offseasons, he was focused on rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee. This year, Bradford could work on conditioning and work out with his teammates.

That sense of optimism collided head-on with the news that the team was planning to draft a young franchise quarterback.

That collision may not have been part of the Eagles' careful plan for their quarterback situation. It probably should have been.