Philadelphia Eagles Retain Versatile Veteran James Bradberry
Philadelphia Eagles fans can rest easy knowing that James Bradberry, the versatile veteran defensive back, remains on the roster heading into the season. The Eagles have managed to retain Bradberry despite exploring various trade options during the offseason, including the possibility of sending him to the Tennessee Titans.
Bradberry, who has spent the majority of his nine-year NFL career as a cornerback, has transitioned to the safety position this offseason. This shift comes as part of his effort to adapt and find a new role within the Eagles' defense. "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," Bradberry said during training camp. "I feel like if I'm a versatile player then I'm going to have a role."
At 31 years old, Bradberry's journey in the NFL has been marked by consistent performances and a notable ability to defend against the league's top quarterbacks. Last season, opposing quarterbacks completed just 56% of their passes when targeting him. Despite conceding 689 yards and nine touchdowns, Bradberry recorded an impressive passer rating of 87.1 against him. His contributions also included one interception and 13 pass breakups, showcasing his persistent presence on the field.
The decision to keep Bradberry on the 53-man roster was a calculated one for the Eagles. Releasing him would have resulted in a substantial $4.305 million dead cap hit. This financial consideration, combined with his adaptability and experience, made retaining him the logical choice for the team.
During the preseason, Bradberry found himself playing for the second-team defense, often behind Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox. Despite this, Bradberry remained focused on proving his worth in his new role. "Of course, I want to start. Now, where I'm going to start? I don't know," Bradberry admitted. "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's offseason transition to safety appears to be part of a broader strategy by the Eagles to bolster their defensive versatility. By leveraging his extensive experience as a cornerback, the team can potentially mitigate injuries and adjust to opponents more fluidly. Bradberry, alongside Tristin McCollum, who also made the final roster cut, adds depth and expertise to the Eagles’ secondary.
It's also worth noting that Bradberry's career includes an All-Pro season, which led to his signing of a three-year, $38 million contract with the Eagles. This lucrative deal underscores the high regard in which the team holds him, not just for his past performances but for the potential impact he can continue to make in different positions on the field.
As the season opener approaches, Eagles fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Bradberry integrates into his new role at safety and how effectively he can contribute to the team’s overall defensive strategy. With his blend of experience, skill, and adaptability, Bradberry stands poised to be a critical component of the Eagles' quest for success this season.