Eagles name Sam Bradford as starting quarterback; Chase Daniel is No. 2

Doug Pederson squashed any notion that there would be a quarterback controversy in Philadelphia - or even an open competition - by declaring Sam Bradford the Eagles' starting quarterback and Chase Daniel as the No. 2 quarterback.

Multiple reports surfaced after the Eagles signed Daniel to a three-year, $21 million contract that he would have a chance to compete for the starting job. Pederson wanted to make clear that Bradford is his quarterback, in case that wasn't known when the Eagles signed Bradford to a two-year, $36 million contract with $22 million guaranteed on March 1.

"Talking about the quarterback situation going forward, Sam Bradford is the No. 1, Chase Daniel is the No. 2, and we're working on the No. 3," Pederson said Thursday. "So I just want to put that out there right now going forward. We feel like - and I feel like as the head football coach of the Philadelphia Eagles - that we've really given ourselves a great opportunity at that position."

Pederson left out Mark Sanchez, who the coach said still could compete for the No. 3 job. The Eagles would more likely try to trade Sanchez or release him and save $3.5 million. The team is expected to add a quarterback in the draft next month.

Pederson said the Eagles are not trading Bradford, despite speculation that he could be moved. Howie Roseman said he hasn't even explored the salary cap ramifications of dealing Bradford because that's not a consideration.

Pederson communicated the depth chart to both Daniel and Bradford. Daniel, who spent the last three seasons playing for Pederson in Kansas City, said he would do whatever it takes to help the Eagles - but he still intends to try to win the job. Pederson said it's "clearly defined right now," although the new coach said he always wants competition for jobs. Daniel will approach the season with that in mind.

"Competition breeds excellence - I truly believe that," Daniel said. "I go back to my time when I was in New Orleans with Drew [Brees]. I'm a second-year pro, he's a future Hall of Famer. And I'm telling him every day, when I'm the backup, 'I'm coming to take your job, dude. I'm coming. I don't care if you're Drew Brees. I don't care who you are.' And my mind-set's not going to change."

Daniel said he had other offers, but he believed the Eagles "provided me the best opportunity to play some football." The Eagles have incentives in Daniel's contract if he becomes the starter, although Roseman said that's standard for the Eagles' backup quarterback. A.J. Feeley, Jeff Garcia, and Mark Sanchez all had incentives in their deals, Roseman said.

Daniel has been been linked to the Eagles ever since Pederson was hired, and Daniel said his connection to Pederson was one of the reasons he came to Philadelphia.

Pederson did not hide his fondness for Daniel. He said that during the last three years he saw Daniel's leadership ability, the way he interacts with the team, what he's done in practice, and how he responds in game situations.

Even though Bradford is the top quarterback, Pederson said there would not be a drop-off if Daniel must play. Daniel said he's like a "second coach" because of his understanding of the offense.

"I don't think there's necessarily a drop-off as much as there is that what Sam has proven here over the course of last season and what he has done with this football team," Pederson said. "The one thing that Chase has maybe over Sam is his understanding of the terminology in the offense that I'm bringing to Philadelphia. It's a different skill set. Sam is a big, taller, dynamic, good thrower. Chase is athletic, has a good arm, can move, can scramble, good vision. There are two different dynamics there. Both of those are very effective in what we're going to do."

Daniel has a background with Bradford. They went to college at the same time in the Big 12 Conference and knew each other from quarterback camps and game day communication. Daniel said he "admired" Bradford "from a pure quarterback standpoint," and has already learned how well-liked Bradford is in the locker room.

Regardless of the quarterback depth chart, Pederson puts value on a backup quarterback - a position he held in the NFL. That was evident by the contract the team gave Daniel. But the contract does not mean he will be the starter. If there was any question, it was answered Thursday: Daniel will back up Bradford.

"If for whatever reason he has an opportunity to go in a football game, then we know that he can act and play just like a starter because that's where he is in my mind," Pederson said. "It's a good confidence to have. In this league, it's a comfort to have two solid quarterbacks."

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm www.philly.com/eaglesblog