Kelly says Eagles aren’t trading up for Mariota

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2103, file photo, St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Two people familiar with the trade say the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams have agreed to swap quarterbacks Nick Foles and Sam Bradford. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, March 10, 2015, because the teams are still working on the draft picks involved in the deal. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File) FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2103, file photo, St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Two people familiar with the trade say the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams have agreed to swap quarterbacks Nick Foles and Sam Bradford. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, March 10, 2015, because the teams are still working on the draft picks involved in the deal. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)

By Associated Press March 11, 2015 1 min read

Chip Kelly says he’s not “mortgaging the future” to move up and draft Marcus Mariota, and he didn’t acquire Sam Bradford to use as trade bait.

Kelly broke his offseason silence Wednesday after a turbulent week that saw the Philadelphia Eagles trade two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy and quarterback Nick Foles, while letting Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin leave in free agency.

Kelly also says the decision to give him full control over personnel decisions came from owner Jeffrey Lurie. He pins the decision to draft Marcus Smith in the first round last year on former general manager Howie Roseman.

Kelly’s appearance was unscheduled on a day the Eagles were set to introduce Bradford along with newly signed cornerback Byron Maxwell.

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