Since releasing Hall of Famer Darius Slay, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to release veteran cornerback James Bradberry before free agency. According to reports, the Eagles informed Bradberry they’re letting him go as he was set to account for $5.2 million towards the cap. It wasn’t too long before the team gave star running back Saquon Barkley a contract extension but Bradberry isn’t a part of the long-term plans. Philadelphia is moving forward with the secondary talent they have in Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell who put on a show in their rookie years.
Eagles will use the post-June 1 designation which allows the team to save additional savings. Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Stanford product came into the Eagles lineup to build a tandem with Slay, earning a second-team All-Pro nod and has been a key member of the secondary. However, his abilities were slowing down in 2023 where the cornerback allowed 11 touchdowns and a high passing rating. With that, the Eagles found some promising help that got them in the Super Bowl and they should be in good hands for the future moving forward.
Bradberry was planning to transition to safety but after suffering a season-ending injury, the plans fell through. The veteran won’t earn a high-paying contract but these five teams could give him an opportunity as a rotational defender on a bargain.
REPORT: Eagles Set To Release Another Veteran James Bradberry
Next Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are in the worst possible spot in the secondary unit. Jaycee Horn is working on an extension with the team but they need help beyond him. The Panthers were targeting veteran Stephon Gilmore to salvage the unit but ultimately he went to the Vikings. Mike Jackson has a bright future but it will take more than just the both of them to keep the roster intact with a competitive secondary as they were ranked bottom.
Bradberry won’t earn the starting job but his Super Bowl experience could give the Panthers a boost for postseason contention.
New Orleans Saints
The same can be said about the Saints but they don’t have money to spend. After losing Marshon Lattimore in a trade last year, the team had to survive with Paulson Adebo and Kool-Aid McKinstry as their starters. Adebo got hurt in the process but as he’s set for free agency, the Saints need an answer for a replacement. Bradberry won’t make a major impact but the New Orleans could walk away to sign him on a bargain deal.
Los Angeles Chargers
As of this posting, the future looks bleak for Asante Samuel Jr. as the Chargers will probably let him test free agency. Meanwhile, cornerback Kristian Fulton made a comeback in his career since signing a new deal. The Chargers might be more lenient to extend Fulton to a new deal than Samuel. They’re in a good spot after giving Elijah Molden a new deal but they could give Bradberry a one-year deal to see what he does as a rotational cornerback.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, it’s difficult to dissect the secondary unit’s future. They don’t have much cap space to spare after extending Osa Odighizuwa but they could release Trevon Diggs next season if he suffers another injury. Meanwhile, the team is in good hands with DaRon Bland but he needs a dependable veteran again like he had with Gilmore during his rookie year. Bradberry isn’t a Gilmore but his presence could be helpful to guide Bland.
Baltimore Ravens
No one should expect Brandon Stephens to return considering the financial state the Ravens are in. The same could be said about Marlon Humphrey unless they restructure his deal. Bradberry won’t start but it’s to give 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins someone to learn from.
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