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Eagles notes: Bradford still not in touch

Doug Pederson said that Sam Bradford's absence could potentially affect his training with the Eagles and his standing as the starting quarterback.

Doug Pederson said that Sam Bradford's absence could potentially affect his training with the Eagles and his standing as the starting quarterback.

"Anybody that's not in any of the 32 offseason programs is losing valuable time," Pederson said Saturday after the completion of the NFL draft.

Bradford requested to be traded last week several days after the Eagles traded up for the No. 2 draft pick, which the team eventually used to pick quarterback Carson Wentz. He has since stayed away from the voluntary offseason program.

Pederson said that Bradford's status as starter could depend on when he returns. He isn't obligated to return to the NovaCare Complex, however, until mandatory minicamp June 7 to 9.

"Nobody makes the team in April," Pederson said.

But voluntary organized team activities resume on May 17. It's unclear when Bradford will return. The Eagles have said repeatedly that they won't trade him. The Broncos inquired but backed off and then drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round.

"He's not going anywhere. He's our guy," Pederson said of Bradford. "We just look forward to the day that he comes back. It's unfortunate the situation, but at the same time it's also a voluntary process."

Pederson, who has reached out to Bradford, said that he still hasn't spoken to the quarterback since the request. Only one Eagles player has reached out to Bradford, a team source said.

Cox update

Bradford is not the only high-profile player who is missing from offseason workouts. Defensive lineman Fletcher Cox also remains absent while the Eagles try to sign Cox to a lucrative, long-term deal.

"He's a huge part of our football team going forward. Our intention is to keep him here for the long term," Howie Roseman said. "Our intention is to try to figure out a number that everyone is comfortable with. It's going to be an aggressive number, but in terms of specifics of that, that's between us and the agent."

When asked what would get Cox to show up to workouts, Roseman said he "can't speak for that."

Eagles liked Matakevich

The Eagles passed on Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich twice in the seventh round before the Steelers drafted him at No. 246. Five picks later, the Eagles selected Joe Walker as their first linebacker of the weekend.

"He's a good football player," Roseman said of Matakevich. "Obviously we had a chance to watch him locally live. Coach [Matt] Rhule is a big booster of his. We know him well. We spoke to him a couple of times today. Happy for him that he got an opportunity in Pittsburgh. A good football player. He was in consideration for us when we were looking at linebackers here."

Head of personnel

Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie previously said the Eagles would put the hiring of a personnel executive on hold until the draft. Now that the draft is complete, the Eagles are on the clock.

"We have that research, and there's a bunch of guys that we met with and we're excited about," Roseman said. "In terms of timing, the first thing we need to do is get a second to take a step back. We need a minute here. . . . We'll regroup early next week and go forward on everything we have to do here."