Seahawks' Michael Bennett on Sam Bradford's gripes: 'I just almost threw up'

Seahawks defensive lineman doesn't know how Bradford's teammates will react to his holdout

By Sean Wagner-McGough

May 17, 2016 at 3:27 pm ET • 2 min read

Michael Bennett doesn't play alongside Sam Bradford. The two players are situated on opposite sides of the country and their respective teams exist in different divisions. Football isn't even in season at the moment. Yet Bennett just managed to sack Bradford harder than the Eagles quarterback might get sacked all season long.

Appearing on 710 ESPN in Seattle, the Seahawks defensive lineman ripped into Bradford for his two-week holdout and attitude, in general, since the Eagles drafted Carson Wentz. Apparently, Bennett nearly vomited thinking about Bradford.

Here's what Bennett had to say, via ESPN's Sheil Kapadia:

"I listened to Sam Bradford again. I just almost threw up. I can't believe Sam Bradford is complaining about making $40 million in the next two years, and because he actually has to compete for a position. This guy... this guy right here definitely sets a bad tone of what a player should be. If I was his teammate, how can you play with a guy that doesn't want to compete at a high level and feels like his position should be solidified without even putting up the stats or the wins to back that up?"

Well, then.

So, it's worth pointing out that Bradford is back with the Eagles after initially avoiding the team in the aftermath of the draft. And, according to head coach Doug Pederson, he's still the team's starting quarterback despite the presence of Wentz -- the No. 2 overall pick -- and a report that indicated Wentz might force a quarterback competition this summer.

On Tuesday, Bradford spoke with reporters. His attitude seemed sensible enough.

Bradford said he's not naive. Knows Eagles traded for Wentz to eventually play. He's taking this week-to-week
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 17, 2016

Bradford said he understands why fans feel the way they do. Only thing that will change it is actions.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 17, 2016

Bradford's not wrong. At some point in the future, he'll be replaced by Wentz. There's a reason why the Eagles traded away draft pick after draft pick to grab Wentz. And there's a reason why the Eagles didn't sign Bradford to a long-term deal. He's a bridge quarterback who'll serve the team until Wentz is declared NFL ready.

Bennett isn't entirely wrong either. He's a bit off on the money (Bradford is guaranteed $22 million), but his point stands: Bradford will earn a ton of money and will be given a chance to start for the Eagles this year. That's really not the worst arrangement for an inconsistent quarterback like Bradford -- even if he ends up sitting at some point this season.

As for Bennett's point about Bradford's teammates, I'm guessing his teammates will be totally fine with him if he plays at a high level. And I'm guessing they won't be fine with him if he struggles while Wentz waits on the bench. That's usually how that works.