Eagles' Chase Daniel: Wentz 'welcome competition'
Sam Bradford wasn't the only quarterback on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster to be affected by the team's decision to trade up for Carson Wentz in this year's draft.
Backup Chase Daniel, whom the Eagles handed a three-year, $21-million deal this offseason, arguably had his place on the team more greatly diminished by the selection of the first-round passer.
If Bradford fails in 2016, it'll likely be Wentz, not Daniel, who's called into action due to fan demand.
However, unlike Bradford, who skipped workouts for two weeks in hopes of forcing a trade, Daniel took the drafting of Wentz in stride and led the first-team offense during practice in Bradford's absence.
"Everybody handles their business a little differently," Daniel said Tuesday, according to Jeff McLane of the The Philadelphia Inquirer. "My thought process was, 'Hey, it's awesome. They're bringing a guy in.' That's the story of my career. I've always had to fight for everything I've had. Not saying that Sam hasn't ... just for me it was a welcome competition."
Since going undrafted in 2009, Daniel exceeded expectations by securing the backup job behind Drew Brees with the New Orleans Saints for three seasons.
After another three seasons backing up Alex Smith with the Kansas City Chiefs, Doug Pederson brought Daniel with him when he was made the Eagles' new head coach this offseason.
"I would definitely call myself an expert in this offense when you're in it for three years and sort of help build it in Kansas City," Daniel said.
Philadelphia reiterated consistently they consider Bradford their starter, and while Daniel is under no delusions about his standing, he's preparing to push Bradford all offseason for the right to start.
"There's a reason they brought me here. It wasn't necessarily to just sit on the bench and not push people for starting jobs," Daniel said. "But I think there's a fine line there. I'm a professional. I've been in about every situation you could possibly be in. ... So I have a clear view of what's expected of me and the funny thing is I expect even more out of myself."
Daniel added: "There's no spots handed out in May."