Bradford Appears Ready to Start Season-Opener

After two shaky performances to start the pre-season, St. Louis Rams quarterback and 2010 first overall pick Sam Bradford completed 15-of-22 passes for 189 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Bradford looked confident, was quick with his decisions and accurate with his throws, and according to ESPN's Mike Sando, has made the Rams' decision on who starts the regular season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals an easy one:

"Sam Bradford has to be the choice.

That was already a logical proposition once the Rams determined Bradford was a quick study and emotionally tough enough to weather what could be a tough season. Watching Bradford perform with poise and moxie Thursday night against the New England Patriots should remove any lingering uncertainty.

Bradford absolutely looked the part of an NFL starter."

Bradford's contract has been the subject of consternation since months before he was even chosen with the first overall pick. This isn't the first place it's been detailed, but here's a look at Bradford's six-year, $78 million contract:

No signing bonus was issued, with Bradford receiving a fully guaranteed $2.88 million roster bonus and a $320,000 base salary in 2010. Next off-season, a $1,000 option will trigger a $17.974 million signing bonus, which greatly reduce Bradford's base salaries from 2011-15.

Those base salaries may be increased by $8 million via individual and team playoff performance incentives. Bradford has a $8.42 million one-time roster bonus in 2011 which, when triggered, will increase his 2012-15 base salaries by $38.38 million, nearly $18 million of which is fully guaranteed.

0 points
 

Log in to comment and more!

Not a member yet? Join free.

If you have already commented on Cheesehead TV in the past, we've created an account for you. Just verify your email, set a password and you're golden.