Sam Bradford knew possibility of trade to Eagles for 3-4 weeks, expects to be ready for training camp

Sam Bradford said he knew coming to the Eagles was a possibility "3-4 weeks ago," another indication of Chip Kelly's interest in acquiring the former St. Louis Rams quarterback.

"This has been in the works for awhile, so it didn't catch me by surprise when it happened yesterday," Bradford said Wednesday at his introductory news conference. "I think any quarterback in this league would love to play for Chip and his offense. It's extremely quarterback-friendly. In the tape that I've watched, it's a lot of fun to play in. It's similar to what I did in college at Oklahoma."

He said he only had a brief conversation with Kelly and is still processing the trade, which he learned about 24 hours ago.

The knock on Bradford is his health. He is coming off two ACL injuries -- "I'm familiar with the process," he said of the rehab -- and he does not have a firm date yet for when he will return.

"It's kind of up in the air right," Bradford said, adding he will meet with the Eagles' training staff to get their timetable. He is confident he'll recover by training camp.

Bradford said he's taken his recovery "a little slower" with the second torn ACL. He admitted that he's nervous about his first time stepping on the field again, but that once he gets there, he anticipates being "just fine."

"It's just kind of one of those freak deals," Bradford said. "I got hit a certain way two times. Regardless whether my ACL was an original or a repair, it was going to tear."

Bradford has been recruiting Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, his college roommate. Bradford called and texted Murray and they've communicated about the Eagles.

The way it looks at this point, Bradford is in line to be the Eagles' starting quarterback. He would not say that's his expectation, but  Kelly insisted earlier in the day that Bradford is not a chip to move, and Bradford was eager for a second chance in Philadelphia.

"My main goal right now is to get healthy," Bradford said. "And once I get healthy, to learn this offense. And when I'm ready get on the field -- whether that's OTAs, training camp -- it's to compete for the starting job. I don't want anything handed to me. I want to earn it. That's how I'm approaching this."

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm