Philadelphia Eagles Retain Versatile Veteran James Bradberry
The Philadelphia Eagles have made it official: James Bradberry remains an Eagle as they gear up for the upcoming season. Bradberry, who has spent nine years in the NFL primarily as a cornerback, finds himself on the Eagles' 53-man roster. The decision to keep him comes amid a series of strategic moves during the offseason, including a notable transition to the safety position.
Bradberry's NFL journey has primarily seen him serve as a steadfast cornerback. Last season, opposing quarterbacks managed to complete 56% of their passes when targeting him. He conceded 689 yards and nine touchdowns, racking up a passer rating of 87.1 against him. Despite these numbers, Bradberry still showcased his defensive prowess with one interception and 13 pass breakups.
A New Role on the Horizon
This offseason, Bradberry took on a new challenge by transitioning to safety. In the preseason, he played behind Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox with the second-team defense. When asked about his new role during training camp, Bradberry expressed his dedication to adapting and finding his place within the team. "I try to be adaptable. I'm on the team right now, so while I'm on the team, I want to find a role on this team, and I feel like if I'm a versatile player then I'm going to have a role," he stated.
As a 31-year-old veteran, Bradberry's transition to safety is a testament to his versatility and commitment to contributing wherever needed. "Of course, I want to start. Now, where I'm going to start? I don't know, but I'm working right now at safety to see if I can learn it and play that and be a valuable asset to the team right there," Bradberry added.
Trade Rumblings and Roster Movements
The Eagles did explore trade options for Bradberry during the offseason, with the Tennessee Titans emerging as a potential destination. However, moving Bradberry would have resulted in a substantial $4.305 million dead cap hit, ultimately influencing the Eagles' decision to retain him. Alongside Bradberry, Tristin McCollum also made the final roster cut, solidifying the defensive backfield ahead of the new season.
Bradberry's retention comes after an All-Pro season that earned him a three-year, $38 million contract with the Eagles. His contributions to the defense last year underscored his value, even as he navigates a challenging transition period. The Eagles evidently see Bradberry's experience and adaptability as key assets moving forward.
Eyeing the Future
As the Eagles prepare to kick off their season, Bradberry's role will be one to watch. His ability to shift from cornerback to safety could potentially provide the team with added flexibility and depth in their defensive schemes. The coaching staff's confidence in his adaptability indicates their belief in his potential to excel in this new role.
James Bradberry's journey with the Eagles continues, marked by his unwavering commitment to the team and his readiness to embrace new challenges. With a solid track record and a fresh position to master, Bradberry remains a player of significant interest as the Eagles aim for success in the upcoming season.