Lane Johnson Comments on Sam Bradford's Status for OTAs, Carson Wentz

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson thinks quarterback Sam Bradford will be back with the team “this week or probably next week” and “be ready for OTAs.”   

Johnson appeared on 97.5 The Fanatic on Sunday and said, “I haven’t really talked to him, but word on the street from guys that have is that he’ll be back pretty quick.”

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Bradford has not been present at Eagles workouts since the team moved up in the 2016 draft via trade with the Cleveland Browns and took quarterback Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick. Alper also noted Bradford “asked for a trade that the Eagles say they won’t make.”

If Philadelphia isn’t going to trade the signal-caller—who signed a two-year deal with the team this offseason—he doesn’t have much choice but to eventually suit up for the Eagles if he wants to play the 2016 season. At least he won’t have to worry about his teammates’ reception if Johnson’s quotes were any indication.  

The offensive lineman said on 97.5 The Fanatic that the other players wouldn’t have an issue with Bradford because he was worried about “his business in the offseason.” Alper pointed out linebacker Connor Barwin and wide receiver Jordan Matthews have talked to the former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback and “share Johnson’s read” on the situation.

Bradford appeared in 14 games for the Eagles last season and threw for a solid 3,725 yards and 19 touchdowns. However, he also threw 14 interceptions and led his team to a middling 7-7 record in his starts. He has never been to the postseason since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010.

Those aren’t head-turning numbers, but he is still only 28 years old and can serve as a stopgap quarterback until Wentz is ready to assume the starting role. While that may not sound like a perfect situation for Bradford, an impressive showing this year could catch the eye of another team that may eventually offer him a contract when he is done in Philadelphia.

Johnson thinks Wentz will “bring the best out” of Bradford in 2016, which could lead to better numbers and a new opportunity elsewhere down the line.

Executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman told reporters that Bradford would start this year after the team traded for the No. 2 pick. First, he has to show up.