Cardinals release veteran QB Bradford
The Sam Bradford experiment has come to an end in Arizona.
The Cardinals announced that they released the veteran quarterback on Saturday.
The team signed Bradford, a nineyear veteran and former first-overall pick, in March to a one-year deal with an option for 2019.
Bradford started three games for the Cardinals this season. He completed 50 of 80 passes for 400 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
He was benched late against the Bears in Week 3 following a fumble. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen replaced him and has been the starter ever since. The team was winless through Week 5.
The Cardinals drafted Rosen 10th overall in the 2018 draft, after signing both Bradford and Mike Glennon in March. Coach Steve Wilks named Bradford the starter, saying throughout the preseason that it was Bradford's job to lose.
Bradford's contract had guaranteed him $15 million in the form of a $10 million signing bonus and $5 million of his salary for this year. He was able to earn up to $5 million more in bonuses if active on game days. Once Rosen was named the starter, Glennon was active on game days over Bradford.
There was a no-trade clause in the contract. Bradford will now go on the waivers.
While Bradford's stint in Arizona was short, it will have some longer effects. Because of the release, the Vikings also lose a projected 2019 thirdround compensatory pick, and the Cardinals gain a projected sixth-round compensatory pick, per Mike Sando of ESPN.
As a sophomore at Oklahoma, Bradford was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, becoming just the second underclassman in NCAA history to win the prestigious award. He was taken by the Rams with the first-overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. There, he was named the 2010 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, setting rookie records along the way.
Bradford was plagued by injuries in the NFL. His stops in St. Louis, Philadelphia and Minnesota all saw injuries, mostly related to his knee. He missed the entire 2014 season with the Rams after suffering a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game.
In his career, Bradford has completed 62.5 percent of his passes, for 19449 yards, 103 touchdowns and 61 interceptions.
In addition, the Cardinals placed offensive lineman John Wetzel (neck) on injured reserve. The team has not yet announced any additions to the roster.