National Football League

Bradford trade overshadows NFL cutdowns

Published Sep. 3, 2016 10:09 p.m. ET

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Trades overshadowed cuts Saturday as NFL teams got down to the 53-man limit for the regular season.

Minnesota made the biggest noise with a major strike, replacing injured quarterback Teddy Bridgewater by acquiring Sam Bradford from Philadelphia in a deal as stunning for its timing as for who was involved.

Bradford, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2010 by the Rams, was ensconced as the Eagles' starter and signed a lucrative two-year contract. But the Vikings, sensing they still could contend for the NFC title after winning the NFC North last year, parted with a first-round pick next year and a fourth-rounder in 2018 for, basically, one season of Bradford as a starter. When, that is, Bradford has learned Norv Turner's offense.

''This was not part of the blueprint, but we have to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to us,'' Eagles personnel boss Howie Roseman said. ''We did not go into this wanting to trade Sam Bradford, but after the offer they made, we felt this was the best move for our football team.''

With the NFL draft being staged in Philadelphia in April, was a nice added touch for the Eagles to get a first-rounder, which they previously lacked.

Another former first-rounder was dealt, but Justin Gilbert hardly has a track record in the NFL. The eighth overall selection in 2014 went from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, which has issues at cornerback. All Gilbert brought back to the Browns in a rare trade among division rivals was a sixth-round draft pick in 2018.

Kansas City traded cornerback Marcus Cooper to Arizona for an undisclosed draft pick, then sent wide receiver Rod Streater and an undisclosed pick to San Francisco for another undisclosed selection. San Francisco sent safety L.J. McCray to Seattle for an undisclosed draft pick in another intradivision deal. The Seahawks also picked up safety Dewey McDonald from Oakland for a conditional 2017 draft choice.

Among those released were Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez, who immediately reached a deal with Dallas; Denver teammates RB Ronnie Hillman and DT Henry Melton; Ravens RB Justin Forsett, a Pro Bowler two years ago; Packers G Josh Sitton, a starter for the last seven seasons and a three-time Pro Bowler; Arizona DT Red Bryant and LB Donald Butler; WR Cecil Shorts III and safety Antonio Allen by Houston; RB Daniel Thomas by Miami; Jets CB Dee Milliner, a 2013 first-rounder; and Redskins DL Cullen Jenkins.

Houston activated three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt (back) and OT Duane Brown from the physically unable to perform list.

Cleveland signed punter Britton Colquitt, who was released by Denver.

New Orleans was the only franchise not to announce its moves Saturday.

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