Despite already shelling out $36 million over two years for quarterback Sam Bradford earlier this offseason, the Eagles decided to invest in Chase Daniel, who played under new head coach Doug Pederson in Kansas City. Daniel signed a three-year deal worth $21 million from the Eagles, according to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports, and gives the team a top tier backup, as well as a reasonable starting option should Bradford stumble. If Daniel is named the starter, he could earn an extra $15 million in incentives.
Chase Daniel agrees to 3-year deal with Eagles
Daniel will follow Doug Pederson from Kansas City to Philadelphia.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel, who turns 30 years old in October, has a very limited NFL resume and has made just two regular season starts as a pro. For his career, he’s completed 50-of-77 throws (64.9 percent) for 464 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He’s also shown promise during extended reps in the preseason. Daniel completed 77 percent of his passes, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt, with five touchdowns and one pick in four games last August.
After his signing with the Eagles was reported, he tweeted a thank you to the Chiefs and the team’s fans.
Thank you Kansas City... pic.twitter.com/KfPFWTRk49
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 9, 2016
Although Daniel has spent his seven seasons in the league holding a clipboard for Drew Brees in New Orleans and Smith in Kansas City, he hit the market this winter with the intent of competing for a starting role. He obviously lacks experience, but has received praise from his former offensive coordinator and new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, who said that Daniel deserves to get a shot to start in the NFL.
“I think Chase, given an opportunity, yes, I think he can be [a starting quarterback],” Pederson told reporters at the NFL Combine in February. “The people that have worked with him for the last three years know that he has an opportunity there and hopefully he gets his chance.”
Based on his solid preseason results and competent performance during his regular season auditions, Daniel has the potential to be a capable quarterback in this league. And given the history of health of Bradford, he could get the chance to prove that in Philadelphia sooner rather than later.
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