Sam Bradford never wanted to leave Philadelphia. He got his wish after inking a two-year, $36 million contract with the Eagles.
"It's one of those things, I told you guys at the end of the year that this is where I wanted to be, I wanted to be back here," Bradford said Thursday at a news conference, noting that he didn't consider other options in free agency. "I knew that, so to finally get it done and to know I'm going to be back here and that I won't have to worry about anything else, it was a huge relief to get that phone call this week."
Bradford said he's comfortable with new coach Doug Pederson and confident he can excel in yet another new scheme. The quarterback noted that some of the concepts Pederson runs are similar to those he worked with in St. Louis.
For the first time in two years, Bradford won't be spending his offseason rehabbing from injury. The quarterback noted being healthy this season would allow him to add upper-body strength as well as learning the new offense.
Bradford repeatedly said he didn't care that the deal was only for two seasons.
"I'm not really concerned with the length of the contract. My main objective was to be back in Philadelphia. It just happened on a two-year deal, and that's perfectly fine with me. I would've preferred a 100-year deal, if they wanted to give it to me," he joked. "Like I said, it's one of those things, I just wanted to get back in Philadelphia. My agent felt like it was a great deal for both sides. I think the organization felt the same way. As long as I continue to play the way I know I can, it shouldn't really matter."
Bradford said if he picks up where he left off at the end of last season, any future contract situation would take care of itself.
The Eagles put a lot of stock in Bradford's final seven games, believing it's an indicator of future possibilities.
As has been the case throughout his career, Bradford offers hope with little tangible evidence to show he can live up to it.
