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Sam Bradford opens up on trade demand: Philly is ‘best place to be’

Speaking publicly for the first time since making–and later rescinding–a request to be traded, Sam Bradford explained what led to his initial disappointment with the Eagles’ quarterback situation.
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Speaking publicly for the first time since making–and later rescinding–a request to be traded, Sam Bradford explained what led to his initial disappointment with the Eagles’ quarterback situation.

“When I found out about the trade, I was frustrated, I just felt like I needed some time. I could have stayed here, could have continued to work here, but I’m not sure my head really would have been here those two weeks,” said Bradford, who spent those two weeks away from the team. “My agent thought that [requesting the trade] was the best option and after those two weeks, we realized this was the best place to be.”

The Eagles moved up and took North Dakota State signal caller Carson Wentz with the No. 2 pick in the draft, causing Bradford to question his starting role with the team.

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For that initial frustration, Bradford was ripped by Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett on Tuesday.

“I listened to Sam Bradford again. I just almost threw up. I can’t believe Sam Bradford is complaining about making $40 million in the next two years, and because he actually has to compete for a position,” Bennett said on 710 ESPN Seattle. “This guy... this guy right here definitely sets a bad tone of what a player should be. If I was his teammate, how can you play with a guy that doesn’t want to compete at a high level and feels like his position should be solidified without even putting up the stats or the wins to back that up?”

Bradford signed a two-year, $35 million contract with Philadelphia on March 1.

– Kenny Ducey