To stay in contention in the NFC North -- and in the Super Bowl race -- the Minnesota Vikings made the bold move of trading for quarterback Sam Bradford.
The price was steep -- a first-round pick next year and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2018 -- but the move was needed. Teddy Bridgewater suffered an ACL tear and a dislocation in his knee Tuesday, and the nine- to 12-month recovery puts in question his availability to start the 2017 season.
The trade for Bradford creates significant winners and losers. Let's break them down:
Winners
Sam Bradford, QB, Minnesota Vikings: His situation is so much better in Minnesota. The Vikings are Super Bowl contenders because they have a defense that will keep opponents under 20 points per game, and they have Adrian Peterson in the backfield. If Bradford can get into the playoffs and win a game or two, he might live up to his $18 million-a-year contract. He also won't have to worry about job security like he would in Philadelphia; Bradford walked out of organized team activities after the Eagles drafted Carson Wentz, sensing he would be released or traded after the season. Sure, the pressure is on, but Bradford has the best surrounding talent around him in his career. Let's see if he can finally realize his potential.