Minnesota Vikings: Biggest Loser of Bradford Trade
Over the last 72 hours, the buzz around the Minnesota Vikings trade for Sam Bradford has been the top story around the league. There were some winners and losers in this trade, but who lost more than others? Taylor Heinicke..
The Minnesota Vikings made a blockbuster trade on Saturday morning. They decided to send a first round pick in 2017, and a conditional 4th round pick in 2018 to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Sam Bradford.
There are a lot of mixed reviews for the deal. Many think that parting with a first round pick for Bradford was a mistake. The Vikings, who value drafts to build their roster, were in a desperate position of need.
This also says something about Teddy Bridgewater’s injury recover. This trade shows that the Vikings front office has little confidence in Bridgewater being ready to open the 2017 season. Bradford is signed through the next two season, so if that is true, they will have a starting quarterback to put on the field.
More from Sporting Sota
- Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
- Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
- Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot
Another key to the trade was that the Eagles are on the hook for Bradford’s $11M signing bonus, which makes this trade smart financially.
The Vikings can not come into a season, at a new $1 Billion stadium without a starting caliber quarterback. I am sure that ownership told Spielman to make something happen. They need to keep the fans optimistic.
With a talent loaded roster, the Vikings are ready to win now. They do not have another year, or two to wait around for Bridgewater to get healthy. With Adrian Peterson, 31 years old this year, the window is closing.
Most running backs hit a wall at some point and there is no sign of it coming, it just happens. As I think Peterson will have another monster year this year, who knows when he will start to decline.
Winners and Losers of Bradford Deal
The biggest winner of this trade has to be the Cleveland Browns. They own the Philadelphia Eagles first round pick for 2017. Trading away Bradford makes the Eagles even less competitive that they were already.
The biggest loser of this trade, Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Coming into training camp, Heinicke was being talked up as a great backup option for Bridgewater. The coaching staff was raving about the step forward he has made over the last year.
Unfortunately, Heinicke injured his foot while trying to get into an apartment he was locked out of. He decided to kick through a window in which he ended up with a serious injury.
This could have been the opportunity to prove himself as a quarterback who could lead a team. Similar to Matt Cassel, who jumped on the opportunity of Tom Brady going down in 2008. The next season, Cassel signed the biggest contract of his career.
While Cassel has not panned out as a superstar, he took advantage of his opportunity when he was given it.
Next: Same Expectations with Sam Bradford
Sadly, Heinicke might never get this opportunity again. He has to be kicking himself for being foolish and getting an unneeded injury at the wrong time.