Maybe Kelly saw this as a win-win

[AnnapolisEagle]

I don't buy the argument that Bradford was strictly a trade piece. I think they identified him as someone who might help them land Mariota, but also someone who was extremely well suited to run his offense if they couldn't. Either way, they have a starter they believe in.

Now they will probably trade him tonight and I'll look like an idiot. Personally, I'm excited to see what a healthy Bradford can do in this offense until he blows his knee out again.

I think this is it.

Kelly is unconventional, but he's not stupid. A deal to get Mariota would have been huge. I thought maybe there was a chance he'd try to trade Bradford, Murray and his first and maybe some other stuff, but once you're talking about future first-rounders and your two best defensive players, there's no good way to do it.

Mariota would've been great, but I think he's comfortable seeing what a healthy Bradford can do for him.

It's a big bet by Kelly, but it could pay off. If Bradford goes down again, of course, it's all gone to shit. Kelly would still have one last chance to land a QB before his contract ends, but it'd be dicey.

[McCarthy12]

Agreed. This is not ideal, but I'd rather have a difficult contract situation with a qb coming off a good year than Sanchez starting any games. Now that they know they are going with Bradford (assuming this is the case), maybe they can restructure? And draft Petty or Hundley tonight (I'd prefer Petty personally).

[TerpEagle]

I am more of the belief that Chip Kelly has always been a bit of a gambler, and this time it blew up in his face like a Wyle E. Coyote ACME bomb.

Re Bradford: Would we be believing in Bradford right now if his previous two ACL injuries occurred while playing for the Eagles the last few years?

Kelly's MO is using information to make the bet choice possible. BEcause everything is a "gamble" if you want to frame it that way but he seems to take calculated risks.

He's altered offense, training regimes, nutrition, etc. based on evidence of being a better way. Not because he's just winging it.

[Riccardo]

ding ding

That's what I thought too.

Unless he pulls what 2gap and I joked about last night and he resigns right after the draft!