National Football League

Philadelphia Eagles: Trade for Johnny Manziel?

Published Apr. 8, 2015 5:25 p.m. ET

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By John Westenberger

Another Philadelphia Eagles and a prominent quarterback rumor has flared up. The Philadelphia Sun Times reports that the Cleveland Browns have discussed acquiring newly-acquired Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford in exchange for Johnny Manziel and draft picks. The Browns were reportedly very interested in acquiring Bradford from the St. Louis Rams prior to him being dealt to the Eagles.

Manziel entered a rehabilitation facility in early February and there has been no indication that he has left treatment since then. Browns head coach Mike Pettine did say that he anticipated Manziel participating team workouts that begin April 20. The former Heisman trophy winner struggled mightily in two starts and some relief appearances last season that left questions about his ability to play the position.

Some may point to Chip Kelly’s comments about Manziel prior to the 2014 NFL Draft as evidence that a deal is imminent. Kelly said,”When I coached at Oregon he was tailor-made for (the offense). He broke my heart. I love the kid. I think he’s a hell of a football player.” Kelly was referring to Manziel’s verbal commitment to play at Oregon before ultimately switching his intentions to Texas A&M.

Kelly and the Eagles already had their chance at getting Manziel before deciding to surrender their pick to the Browns who selected the quarterback in the Eagles original draft slot. If Kelly was so interested in Manziel, there is no reason he would have already traded away from his once. Further, many have tried to project what the former Oregon coach did in college to his professional career. The result has been fans and media being shocked almost every step of the way.

The Eagles front office which gives Kelly full control of player personnel has already surrendered a second-round draft pick in next year’s draft for Bradford. The former number one overall pick may be better suited with quick decision making and intermediate accuracy than Manziel for the Eagles offense.

Finally, the Marcus Mariota to Eagles scenario is still looming on the horizon. Kelly has come out and said the team is not willing to spend the type of resources necessary to trade up for Mariota. However, there are still plenty who speculate that Kelly will do whatever is necessary, even trading Bradford, to make his former pupil an Eagle. No one can be completely sure of what Kelly’s ultimate plan is until after Mariota is selected by a different team. Until then, it is best to assume that the Eagles are firm believers in Bradford as their long-term quarterback.

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