INDIANAPOLIS -- As offensive coordinator the past three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, Doug Pederson worked daily with backup quarterback Chase Daniel. Pederson has since become head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, while Daniel could soon be an unrestricted free agent.

At the NFL combine on Wednesday, Pederson said he believes Daniel is ready to become a starter.

“I think Chase, given an opportunity, yes I think he can be," Pederson said. “Obviously the people who worked with him for the last three years know that he has an opportunity there and hopefully he gets his chance.

“What he’s done with Alex (Smith) behind the scenes, the way he’s kind of coached Alex behind the scenes, the way he prepares during the week, the way he studies, the way he puts himself in the starter’s mentality on Sunday. In the couple games he did start there in Kansas City to me he has proven he can take over a team."

It’s an interesting comment from Pederson. The Eagles could be looking for a quarterback, depending on whether they re-sign starter Sam Bradford. Pederson, of course, wouldn’t reveal how the Eagles will proceed if they don’t retain Bradford

“We do have a plan in place," he said. “I won’t go into who we’re looking at."

But Daniel would make a lot of sense for the Eagles if Bradford moves on. Every head coach wants a quarterback he’s comfortable with, and Pederson has that comfort level with Daniel.

“He’s a solid backup," Pederson said. “He kind of reminds me of me when I was a backup in Green Bay. He’s a guy that really helped Alex on and off the football field. He’s a leader in his own way. He’s talented and hopefully he gets the opportunity."