/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48487655/GettyImages-503288486.0.jpg)
Jordan Matthews really wants the Philadelphia Eagles to keep Sam Bradford. The second year wide receiver already made his feelings about the Eagles quarterback known last week:
"Everybody saw him grow, get more confident and get better," Matthews said. "I feel the same. I want Sam here. I would love for him to be my quarterback."
After Philadelphia's victory over the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, Matthews doubled down on his Bradford bromance.
Asked what he would tell next coach about Sam Bradford, Jordan Matthews said, "He has to be the guy."
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 3, 2016
Talking to #Eagles WR @jmattjmattjmatt now. Adamantly expressing his desire to have Sam Bradford back next year. "This is our leader."
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) January 3, 2016
Matthews isn't the only Eagles player backing Bradford, either.
#Eagles Kelce: 'If we can retain Sam, that's the most important position on the field.'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) January 3, 2016
#Eagles offensive players absolutely want Bradford back. They really want continuity at the position, impressed by his play.
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 31, 2015
It's not surprise to see Bradford earn the backing of his teammates. He's shown leadership qualities and he's played relatively well down the stretch.
Sam Bradford’s last 7 starts: 175/258 (67.9%), 1959 yards (7.6 y/a), 10 TD, 4 INT, 96.7 rating. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) January 3, 2016
It's true that Bradford has been able to pad his numbers in garbage time. It's also true he suffered the second most drops of any quarterback this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bradford's future with the Eagles remains up in the air. There are many factors at play. Will the Eagles' new head coach want to keep him around? Will Bradford want to re-sign with the Eagles? For what it's worth, Matthews told reporters Bradford does have interest in returning to Philadelphia.
Jordan Matthews says Sam Bradford made it clear to him he wants to be back. #Eagles
— John Clark CSN (@JClarkCSN) January 3, 2016
There's no question Bradford put up some good numbers down the stretch, but he'll need to be even better moving forward in order to make his team a championship contender. The Eagles made the mistake of going all in on Nick Foles following his 27-2 season in 2013. Bradford's season was even less impressive than that, so it would be unwise of them to make the same mistake and put all their eggs in one basket. The Eagles need to explore multiple quarterback options whether Bradford is back or not.