Sam Bradford waiting by the phone has been an exercise in futility.

NFL.com is reporting that the St. Louis Rams have not received any phone calls about a possible trade involving the fifth-year quarterback and former No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma in 2010.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher wants Sam Bradford to take off his protective knee brace when he plays

"Because Bradford has missed the majority of the past two seasons and will have to compete to keep his starting job, the Rams have pressured him to accept a reduction in his $13 million salary that counts $16.6 million against the salary cap in the contract's final year," NFL.com is reporting. "After balking at that request, Bradford's agent was allowed to contact other teams to gauge the quarterback's value. To this point, that has not sparked movement."

NFL media insider Ian Rapoport said the Rams would have to find a desperate partner to compensate St. Louis what it deems is a fair price for the quarterback who is coming off back-to-back torn left ACLs. He suggested that the Rams want a second-round draft choice and that the team willing to draft Bradford would have to face the possibility of him leaving after next season when his contract expires.

The St. Louis Rams are soliciting input from Sam Bradford about their offensive coaching staff

"While he's certainly a more attractive option than EJ Manuel or Johnny Manziel," NFL.com reported, "Bradford has never lived up to the regard in which he's held by NFL scouts. He has too often been skittish in the pocket and scattershot with his accuracy, stifling the offense.

Bradford's problem is the unknown effects of having to come back twice from surgery on a torn left ACL. With very little recent game video to display and his inability to prove no ill effects from a second surgery, the Rams have indicated that they want Bradford to renegotiate for a lower salary and remain with the team, rather than explore free agency.

Bradford's agents, however, are trying to find a willing partner that would take Bradford and his one-year salary. They seem to think - or are hinting - that the Buffalo Bills are interested in him, which could drive up his new salary, no matter where he goes.