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Alex Smith vs. Sam Bradford


Alex Smith vs. Sam Bradford  

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  1. 1. If you had to choose between these two veteran quarterbacks, which one would it be?

    • Alex Smith
      106
    • Sam Bradford
      33


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The more I analyze this Buffalo Bills offseason, the more I think our 2018 starting QB could come down to either Alex Smith or Sam Bradford.

 

When it comes to the Draft, the Bills are in a tough spot at picks 21/22. Teams are going to want a king's ransom in order to move up to the Top 10 (much less Top 5).

 

I also see this QB class as being way more flawed than people choose to believe. Each prospect has his own warts. There might be a star in this class, but no one knows who it is. It might be the 1st rated QB in the class, or it might be the 5th rated. It's a total crap shoot.

 

So what is the Bills' best option for 2018 (and beyond)? It might be one of the veteran QB's that will be available.

 

Kirk Cousins: As much as I would love it to happen, I don't see Kirk Cousins being realistic for us considering the lack of cap space we have and the competition for his services.

Teddy Bridgewater: This guy is a total question mark due to his knee. I'm guessing that he'll stay with the Vikings on a prove-you-can-still-play one-year contract extension.

Case Keenum: I think the Vikings give him a solid contract extension.

 

The rest are trash.

 

That leaves Sam Bradford (Free Agent) and Alex Smith (under contract with the Chiefs)

 

Sam Bradford Upside:

 

  • Despite having nearly a decade of experience as a starting NFL QB in this league, Bradford will still only be 30 years old when the 2018 season begins
  • Won't have to give up any draft picks for him
  • Considering his injury history, he may be good value if we can get him at a price lower than expected
  • Career at an upward trajectory - had a career year in 2016 and played at a very high level in his two starts in 2017
  • Played under Josh McDaniels in 2011, so may be already acclimated to many of Brain Daboll's concepts

 

Sam Bradford Downside

 

  • Has been plagued by injuries for much of his career. Can he get and stay healthy?
  • Risky acquisition. Can we afford him considering all the competition for the services of quarterback out there?

 

Alex Smith Upside:

 

  • Coming off the best season of his career
  • Competitive guy, underdog 'me-against-the-world' mentality could fit in well in Buffalo

 

Alex Smith Downside:

 

  • Must give up draft picks to get him
  • Only one year left on his deal - is he worth it?
  • Can he perform at such a high level without Andy Reid?
  • Some describe him as Tyrod Taylor without the wheels - doesn't read the field quickly and hesitates to throw to WR who aren't wide open
  • Turns 35 years old this May - how much does he have left?

 

Thoughts?

 

 

Edited by Wayne Arnold
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For me it’s Smith and not very close. I don’t trust Bradford at all. Alex Smith played the best football of his career and is a good option for the next few years. If the Bills can get him for their 3 and the pick that they got for Ragland that would be great. If they have to insert a 2 instead so be it. 

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Bradford is a better qb than smith IMO but has the durability concerns. The question is should we care? If he is not going to be a long term starter/just a bridge and we aren't investing as much of a cap hit does it matter that he has an injury history?

Edited by Mrbojanglezs
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2 minutes ago, Like A Mofo said:

Smith I would select, but is Smith really that much of an upgrade over keeping Tyrod and NOT giving up and a 2nd and 4th round pick?

 

No. But sometimes change is made for the sake of change.

 

1 minute ago, Mrbojanglezs said:

Bradford is a better qb than smith IMO but has the durability concerns. The question is should we care? If he is not going to be a long term starter)just a bridge and we aren't investing as much of a cap hit does it matter that he has in injury history?

 

Good point.

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IF we HAVE to go with a vet then I'd pick Bradford. He's a better QB, and since I really don't want a vet anyways because I believe a QB learns by doing, Bradford's chances of making through the whole season would almost guarantee the new rookie will be in the game at some point in the season. :D

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9 minutes ago, Like A Mofo said:

Smith I would select, but is Smith really that much of an upgrade over keeping Tyrod and NOT giving up and a 2nd and 4th round pick?

Yeah he is.  4,042 yards for 26 TD's and 5 INT's is an upgrade.  Granted he had more weapons.

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20 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

For me it’s Smith and not very close. I don’t trust Bradford at all. Alex Smith played the best football of his career and is a good option for the next few years. If the Bills can get him for their 3 and the pick that they got for Ragland that would be great. If they have to insert a 2 instead so be it. 

 

Agreed. Gotta be Smith. I don't even want to consider Bradford. He looked awesome week 1 this year, but his knee issues resurfaced. It's a chronic issue and it's not worth the gamble.

Edited by Big C
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16 minutes ago, Like A Mofo said:

Smith I would select, but is Smith really that much of an upgrade over keeping Tyrod and NOT giving up and a 2nd and 4th round pick?

 

Yes.     Smith was a top 6 QB this year iirc.  

 

His ability to read a defense should pay instant dividends 

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18 minutes ago, Like A Mofo said:

Smith I would select, but is Smith really that much of an upgrade over keeping Tyrod and NOT giving up and a 2nd and 4th round pick?

 

That's a great point.  I've been a Tyrod supporter until the latter half of the season when his limitations were so obvious.  However, the Chiefs had a pretty big lull in the 2nd half of the season as well.  Smith didn't look much better.   I keep wanting to believe that half of Tyrod's problems were with the OC... I shouldn't go there...

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25 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

For me it’s Smith and not very close. I don’t trust Bradford at all. Alex Smith played the best football of his career and is a good option for the next few years. If the Bills can get him for their 3 and the pick that they got for Ragland that would be great. If they have to insert a 2 instead so be it. 

 

This is where I'm at as well.    I also don't want anything to do with Bradford's injury history...

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I’d prefer if Bridgewater was available but for your thread, I think Smith would be the better choice as far as a QB goes.

 

However, since the Chiefs are asking quite a bit, I’d prefer Bradford. If he’s healthy, he can play.

 

I hope that’s clear as mud.

 

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11 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

Bradford is the correct choice here. The cost to acquire Smith makes Bradford the easy choice IMO.

Without knowing what the cost for Smith would be, I would choose Bradford - no lost picks. I suspect his injury history will keep the cost down.

 

If all things were equal, then I would pick Smith but since you will pay for the privilege then Bradford. 

 

Either choice assumes drafting a QB at 21 to develop.

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