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St. Louis Rams: Trading Sam Bradford paves way for star running back

By Brian Spaen

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One of the biggest announcements during the flurry of NFL free agency action was the St. Louis Rams sending Sam Bradford to the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only do the Rams get an upgrade at the quarterback position, but they also set themselves up to pick up a star running back.

Here’s the details of the trade: the Rams received a fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft and the second-round pick in 2016 in addition to Nick Foles. The Eagles got a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft, and depending on what Bradford does, they could get more.

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If the Eagles’ new quarterback doesn’t play in 2015 or takes less than 50 percent of the snaps, they will get the Rams’ 2016 third or fourth-round picks, respectively. However, if Bradford does take 50 percent or more of the snaps, then the Eagles get nothing more.

As of right now, it’s a steal for the Rams. Originally, there were talks of the Rams giving away their 10th overall pick to the Eagles, which would have made this trade make a lot more sense because of the potential reunion between Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariota. John Smallwood from Philly.com just doesn’t understand the trade.

"Am I to understand that Kelly swapped Foles, who is scheduled to make $1.3 million in the final year of his contract, and two higher-round draft picks for Bradford, who is scheduled to make $13 million in the final year of his contract and is coming off successive seasons in which he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament?"

It’s puzzling, but that’s something for Kelly, who has GM powers in Philadelphia, and the Eagles to figure out. For now, the Rams can celebrate getting a more reliable quarterback and unlock a lot of money in the salary cap. There’s no risk for them here.

Foles went 14-4 under Kelly and had the incredible 2013 campaign which saw 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions and two fumbles. The quarterback regressed in 2014 , but was also plagued with injuries. Kelly wouldn’t commit to him in December and now has gotten rid of him.

Bradford is the better quarterback physically. He’s shown a lot of promise that started by being the rookie of the year after being drafted first overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. However, injuries have kept him off the field since October 20, 2013. We simply don’t know what’s under center, and it’s a better deal to take the QB that’s cheaper between the two.

Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

That also opens up a potential for Jeff Fisher and the Rams to build on what they want to become — a run-heavy attack. The coach has been vocal on wanting to focus on their running game. Now they have the money to bring in a big-time running back.

With over $28 million reportedly available in the salary cap, Nick Wagoner of ESPN explains that the Rams could afford to bring in a running back like DeMarco Murray or Adrian Peterson.

"Taking it a step further, while the Rams like their young group of running backs, including Tre Mason, chasing a top back such as DeMarco Murray or even, as crazy as it sounds, Adrian Peterson, would make even more sense. Fisher’s Tennessee teams enjoyed their greatest success in the prime years of Eddie George and Chris Johnson."

There’s been no rumors of Murray or Peterson heading to the Rams, but the possibility is there. However, they’d have to get in touch with them fast as rumors continue to swirl between them on where their next destination is going to be.

The Rams also have plenty of issues to deal with on the offensive line. There’s only a handful of players left on the roster in those positions, and if they don’t have an OL built, it doesn’t matter how good of running back they bring in. They also may believe that their running back corps is solid enough featuring Tre Mason, Benjamin Cunningham, and Zac Stacey.

However, having the impact of a big-name RB may be worth the risk if they can still assemble a solid group at the line — it isn’t like they’re as expensive as skill players.

All the options are there, and it will be interesting to see what the Rams do now that the opportunity is there with Bradford being shipped away.

Next: Rams evaluating options with No. 10 overall pick

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