In a move that's sure to stir the pot in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to keep James Bradberry in their fold. The seasoned NFL cornerback, who has spent the majority of his nine-year career policing the passing lanes, has undergone a significant transition this offseason to the safety position.
Staying in Philadelphia
The decision to retain Bradberry wasn't without its complications, as the Eagles explored various trade options. The Tennessee Titans emerged as a potential destination, but no deal materialized, leaving Bradberry as part of the Eagles' 53-man roster.
Despite the trade rumors, Bradberry's focus remains on adaptability and finding a role with 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," Bradberry commented during training camp.
Transitioning to Safety
This offseason saw Bradberry transitioning from cornerback to safety. At 31 years old, the experienced defender played behind Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox during the preseason, clearly working to cement his new role. "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 stated.
It's a significant shift for Bradberry, who has been a reliable presence on the boundary throughout his career. Last season, opposing quarterbacks completed 56% of their passes when targeting him. Although he conceded 689 yards and nine touchdowns over the course of the season, Bradberry also showcased his ball-hawking skills with one interception and 13 pass breakups, ultimately posting a passer rating of 87.1 against him.
Financial Considerations
Releasing Bradberry would have incurred a hefty $4.305 million dead cap hit for the Eagles. Instead, the Eagles opted to hold onto the versatile defender, who had inked a three-year, $38 million contract after an impressive All-Pro season. This financial foresight suggests that the Eagles still believe in Bradberry's ability to contribute, even if his role is evolving.
Depth and Competition
Bradberry's participation with the second-team defense during preseason hasn't been without merit. Both he and Tristin McCollum managed to survive the final roster cuts, further emphasizing the depth the Eagles are cultivating in their secondary. The presence of established players like Blankenship, Gardner-Johnson, and Maddox offers Bradberry stiff competition, but it also underscores the Eagles' commitment to building a robust defensive unit.
As Bradberry embraces his new position and the challenges that come with it, his adaptability and veteran experience will be crucial. For now, the Eagles have chosen to leverage his skillset and leadership, banking on the belief that a seasoned player can transition smoothly and become an asset, rather than a liability.
The season ahead will reveal just how well Bradberry can adjust to his new role and contribute to the Eagles' efforts to solidify their defense. For a team that has shown considerable promise, having a versatile, experienced player like Bradberry could be the edge they need to navigate the upcoming challenges of the NFL season.