Triple threat
Eagles GM insisting that his team has three quality QBs
INDIANAPOLIS — The Philadelphia Eagles don’t have two quality quarterbacks. They have three.
So said GM Howie Roseman on Wednesday at his NFL Scouting Combine news conference.
It’s a situation, at least numbers-wise, the Minnesota Vikings can sort of relate to. More on that in a moment.
Everybody’s wondering whether the Eagles will trade playoff hero Nick Foles, what with franchise QB Carson Wentz due to return from a mangled knee in the fall.
“We’re trying to keep as many good players as possible,” Roseman said, “and you’re talking about a Super Bowl MVP. He’s been unbelievably successful for us. He’s got great character, great leadership.
“That room is exactly what we’re looking for. We have a franchise quarterback, we have a Super Bowl MVP, and we have a young quarterback that we’re excited about as well (in Nate Sudfeld) … Our intention is to keep all of our good players.”
Really? Nate Sudfeld?
“I put this in a Nate Sudfeld category that doesn’t have anything to do with Carson or Nick, so I don’t want to take it out of context. But Nate Sudfeld has got a tremendous skill set, not only to be a potential No. 2 in this league but we think he has the upside to develop into a starter. He’s incredibly smart, athletic, good frame, can make all the throws.”
Who’s to doubt Roseman after going out and signing Foles last off-season?
The Vikings, meantime, are set to watch all three of their 2017 quarterbacks hit the freeagent market in two weeks: Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and (perhaps) Teddy Bridgewater. But Bridgewater began the 2017 season, the last of his four-year rookie contract, on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.
It’s possible that last contract year could be “tolled” into 2018, to keep him a Viking for another season.
Vikings GM Rick Spielman told reporters Wednesday he’s still waiting for the league to make that determination. Otherwise?
Forget it. Spielman wasn’t tipping his cards about those quarterbacks, or any others not currently on his payroll.
“We feel very strongly about moving forward because of the in-depth knowledge we have on all of our three quarterbacks. Also, the practical game knowledge that we have on those guys. We’re always going to be looking at options at all areas … to find the best fit for the Minnesota Vikings.
“Just to make clear, there have been no decisions made.”
This, despite “a thousand reports out there on how we’re going to move forward,” first of all alleging that the Vikings will cut Bridgewater, who had major reconstructive knee surgery in September 2016.