Sam

Bradford

Cardinals are essentially all systems go in their divisional matchup versus the Niners Sunday. With Josh Rosen and Larry Fitzgerald both removed from the team’s injury report, it will be interesting to watch how new OC Byron Leftwich uses his full arsenal of offensive weapons. Jermaine Gresham (heel) is also active, downgrading Ricky Seals-Jones another week.

The main reason Bradford was not claimed by any teams on waivers Monday was because of his massive salary. Lower down the list but still relevant is the fact that Bradford’s long-bothersome knee has become “bone on bone” with no cartilage after two ACL surgeries. We’d be surprised if Bradford played again.

Well, they should.

Hard to fathom Bradford signed a two-year, $40 million contact with the Cardinals in March. At the end of the day, the team paid Bradford his $10 million signing bonus and roughly $3.5 million in base salary and playtime incentives — a total of $13.5 million for three games. By waiving Bradford prior to Week 10, Arizona also gains a 2019 sixth-round compensatory pick. The Vikings lose a 2019 third-round compensatory pick. Bradford completed 50-of-80 passes for 400 yards, two touchdowns, and four picks in his illustrious tenure with Arizona. Mike Glennon will continue to backup rookie Josh Rosen.

Bradford looked like he was hoping to retire in the first 11-plus quarters of the season, and he is now Arizona’s third-stringer behind Josh Rosen and new-backup Mike Glennon. The Cards signed Bradford to a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason. He is making $20 million in salary and bonuses this year and will cost $5 million against Arizona’s 2019 cap even after he gets cut.

He’ll be a healthy scratch. It’s a cost-saving move for the Cardinals as Bradford is due a $312,500 roster bonus for each week he’s active. Mike Glennon will back up Josh Rosen on Sunday and likely for the foreseeable future.

Wilks plans to watch tape before determining the starter against Seattle. Bradford was benched in the fourth quarter after three turnovers, but Josh Rosen struggled in relief — throwing an interception and pick-six that was called back. The Cardinals should announce their decision early next week.

Things started off well for Bradford as he completed 4-of-5 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the 1st quarter, but then things quickly deteriorated. For the remainder of his time of the field, Bradford completed 9-of-14 passes for 65 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble as the Cardinals have surrendered a 14-0 lead at home. It remains to be seen if this is truly the end for Bradford as the Cardinals starting quarterback or just a one-week relief appearance, but Bradford is on his last life as an starting NFL quarterback.

This conflicts with some previous speculation. The entire Cardinals offense has been a disaster, so there’s no rush to put Josh Rosen in a bad situation. Arizona believes Bradford is still their best quarterback despite his early year struggles. Bradford looks to have at least a couple weeks of leash before the Cardinals consider turning to Rosen.

Bradford’s had a rough first two weeks, but the Cardinals have stayed with him to this point. He’ll start Sunday, but is at risk of an in-game benching. Josh Rosen got some first-team practice reps this week and could see the field if the offense continues to struggle. The Cardinals can save $4 million in roster bonuses if they move on from Bradford after this week.