Chase Daniel could be leading candidate to start at QB for Eagles

The Eagles have remained silent about their hole at starting quarterback, but NFL.com’s Ian Rapoportbroke the silence Thursday, saying of Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel“Doug Pedersonviews him as more than a backup.”

Pederson and Daniel worked together over the last three seasons (with Andy Reid calling the shots), Daniel as backup quarterback and Pederson as assistant coach and offensive coordinator.

There isn’t a whole lot of film, nor are there many numbers to look at when assessing Daniel’s fitness to start in the NFL, as the quarterback has started just twice in his seven-season career.

He was an undraftedfree agent in 2009 out of Missouri and has spent time in the Redskins and Saints organizations. He is seen as a low priced alternative to Sam Bradford, who is eligible for both the franchise tag and free agency this offseason. Bradford is expected to demand anywhere from $14 to 20 million per season in his next contract.

Speaking of undraftedfree agent quarterbacks, the Eagles did actually sign one of those Thursday, inkingMcLeod Bethel-Thompson to a contract pending a physical.

Bethel-Thompson could be a third-string or practice squad candidate in training camp.He’s had stintswith the Dolphins, the Vikings twice, the Patriots and the 49ers three different times.

The only quarterback under contract for the Birds prior to Bethel-Thompson jumping on board was Mark Sanchez.