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Sam Bradford Adrian Peterson
(NonDoc)

ESPN and other sports outlets are reporting that former OU quarterback Sam Bradford will join former OU running back Adrian Peterson on the Minnesota Vikings this season.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Bradford has been sent to Minnesota from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played last year in then-coach Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense.

In return, the Eagles will receive the Vikings’ first-round draft pick in 2017 as well as a conditional fourth-rounder in 2018.

Bradford re-signed with the Eagles in March to a two-year, $35 million deal with $22 million fully guaranteed.

The Eagles would be responsible for Bradford’s $11 million signing bonus. ProFootballTalk.com reported earlier this year that $5.5 million of the $11 million signing bonus was due March 18 and the rest of the bonus was due on or before Sept. 1. The rest of his contract — $20 million in base salaries and $4 million March 2017 roster bonus — would go to the Vikings.

Vikings tight ends coach Pat Shurmur was Bradford’s offensive coordinator with the Eagles last season and for two seasons (2009-2010) with the Rams.

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The trade puts OU’s most successful pro quarterback on the same team with its most successful pro running back, and it unites a pair of Sooner legends who have never previously played a down together.

Peterson, of course, starred in Norman for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons. Bradford became OU’s starting quarterback in 2007, leading the team that year and in 2008 before injuries limited him to only three games in 2009. Peterson was drafted seventh overall by the Vikings, while Bradford went first overall to the St. Louis Rams.

Minnesota entered the market for a quarterback this week after starter Teddy Bridgewater sustained a dislocated knee and torn ACL. Bradford was the likely starter in Philadelphia, but he had held out of training camp after learning the Eagles had selected Carson Wentz in this year’s draft.

The Vikings won the NFC North division last season with a strong defense and Bridgewater’s emergence as a leader. The addition of Sam Bradford should keep the team in playoff contention.

The news broke about one hour before OU kicks off its 2016 season in Houston against the University of Houston Cougars.

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