Sports Illustrated just doesn’t like Eagles‘ quarterback Sam Bradford.
One week after listing him as the most unattractive quarterback in the league, the national magazine dissed Bradford again.
In the Feb. 15-22 double issue, the magazine’s Andy Benoit lists the top 40 free-agents-to-be in the NFL and Bradford did not make the list. The only quarterback, on the list is Washington Redskins’ Kirk Cousins. In his synopsis of Cousins, Benoit takes a veiled swipe at Bradford and the rest of the free agent quarterbacks.
“He’ll be deemed more valuable than most players on this list because of the position he plays (and the limited number of starting-caliber QBs out there),” Benoit wrote of Cousins, who was ranked No. 16.
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Free agency begins March 9, and Bradford could test the market. Cousins, most expect, will re-sign with the Redskins. The Eagles could put the franchise tag on Bradford.
Players who made Sports Illustrated’s list ahead of Bradford include 35-year-old tight end Antonio Gates of the Chargers, oft-injured tackle Russell Okung of the Seahawks, and nickel back Casey Heyward of the Packers.
Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets‘ defensive end, was the No. 1-ranked free agent by the magazine, and linemate nose tackle Damon Harrison was ranked 24th.
The Giants placed two players among the top 40 — defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul at No. 29 and cornerback Prince Amukamara at No. 34.
One Eagles player made the list, defensive end Cedric Thornton at No. 28.
In the Feb. 8 issue, Sports Illustrated rated the looks and leadership of all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks. They ranked Bradford 32nd in attractiveness and 29th in leadership.
Mark Eckel may be reached at mjeck04@verizon.net. Follow him on Twitter @MarkEckel08. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
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