James Bradberry's Journey with the Eagles: A Shift in Roles
The Philadelphia Eagles have opted to retain James Bradberry, maintaining his presence on the team's 53-man roster. The seasoned NFL veteran, who has primarily served as a cornerback throughout his nine-year career, is now embracing a new challenge as he transitions to the safety position this offseason.
Bradberry, at 31 years old, remains a valuable asset for the Eagles. The franchise considered various trade options during the offseason, with the Tennessee Titans emerging as a potential destination. However, the Eagles decided to hold onto the experienced defensive back, perhaps valuing his versatility and leadership on and off the field.
The decision not to release Bradberry also carried financial implications. Cutting him would have resulted in a $4.305 million dead cap hit—a significant consideration for a team managing its salary cap strategically.
A New Challenge at Safety
With his move to safety, Bradberry finds himself in a different role, yet he remains determined to contribute meaningfully to the team's success. "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," Bradberry asserted during training camp.
Throughout the preseason, Bradberry played for the second-team defense, positioning himself behind players like Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox. Despite this, his experience and proficiency make him a crucial component of the Eagles' defensive lineup. "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 explained.
Bradberry's 2022 Performance
Examining his performance from last season provides further insight into Bradberry's capabilities. Opposing quarterbacks completed 56% of their passes when targeting him, accounting for 689 yards and nine touchdowns. While these figures might suggest room for improvement, Bradberry's passer rating against him stood at a respectable 87.1.
His contributions were not limited to just pass defense. Bradberry recorded one interception and broke up 13 passes last season, showcasing his ability to disrupt the passing game effectively. These statistics underscore the value he brings to the Eagles' secondary, regardless of the position he plays.
A Key Signing After an All-Pro Season
The Eagles' commitment to Bradberry was evident when they signed him to a three-year, $38 million contract following his All-Pro season. This investment highlights the trust and expectations the franchise places on his shoulders. As he continues to adapt to his new role, the Eagles will look to Bradberry to lend his expertise and adaptability to fortify their defensive unit.
In retaining James Bradberry, the Philadelphia Eagles have ensured that a seasoned and adaptable player remains part of their roster. As he transitions to safety, Bradberry's willingness to embrace new challenges and his past performance suggest that he will continue to be a significant contributor, whether in a starting role or as a versatile backup. The upcoming season will be an intriguing one for Bradberry and the Eagles, as both look to benefit from his experience and skills in their quest for success.